Marking the 50-day countdown to the 2022 Global Esports Games, GEF chief executive Paul Foster, second from left, was in Istanbul, leading the fifth technical visit ©GEF

The Istanbul 2022 Global Esports Games (GEG) Organising Committee has marked the 50-day countdown by presenting the design plans for the arena and mainstage, the athlete-focused services and facilities at the Global Esports Federation (GEF) house.

It has also offered a first look at the medals for the 2022 GEG and highlighted technical aspects of preparations ahead of the Games during a visit by GEF chief executive Paul Foster.

In the heart of Istanbul, the GEF house at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center - one of Europe's largest hotels - offers the #worldconnected community a space to stay, train and have fun together and represent their national flags at the GEF's flagship event.

"We are proud and excited to be in Istanbul, the largest city in Europe, with a dynamic and vibrant culture where Europe and Asia meet," said Foster.

"We are very grateful to all the teams in Istanbul - we can't wait to be back together in December to cap a year of truly global live events since the Singapore 2021 Global Esports Games."

Selçuk Sarıyar, Deputy Mayor of Istanbul, added: "According to data gathered in 2021, the gaming sector in Turkey has grown by 29% from the previous year.

"We hold great potential in this regard.

"We are working to realise this potential and take it even further.

Dota 2 will feature at the Global Esports Games that will take place later this year in Istanbul ©Dota 2
Dota 2 will feature at the Global Esports Games that will take place later this year in Istanbul ©Dota 2

"We want İstanbul (sic) to be a leading centre of the gaming world.

"We are overjoyed to host the second Global Esports Games, the flagship event of the Global Esports Federation this year.

"The esports thrill happening in our city is invaluable for both raising the interest towards esports in Istanbul and strengthening Istanbul’s standing in the international esports world."

Renay Onur, general manager of İBB Spor İstanbul, added: "We are happy and excited to host the second edition of the Global Esports Games.

"Esports is the future as it continues to grow rapidly in Istanbul, and beyond.

"We are committed to continuing our preparations for the exciting event."

Alper Afşin Özdemír, President of the Turkish Esports Federation (TESFED), also shared his excitement for the event. 

"Today, we are counting down to the 50 days to the iconic Global Esports Games 2022 that will take place at the intersection of Europe and Asia; Istanbul," Özdemír said.

Tickets to the Istanbul 2022 Global Esports Games will go on sale from November 12 2022.

The Istanbul 2022 GEG is scheduled to be held from December 15 to 17.