Similarly to last year's Commonwealth Esports Championships ran alongside the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the European Games Esports Championships is set to run from June 30 to July 2 at the same time as the European Games in Kraków-Małopolska.

This forms part of a collaboration between the GEF and European Olympic Committees (EOC).

Singaporean official Chan highlighted the importance of showcasing esports alongside the European Games.

"We are delighted to see esports in this prestigious event - the European Games," he said.

"The #EGE23 [European Games Esports Championships] is a significant milestone in the development of esports in Europe.

"It’s a joyful celebration of youth, esports, and sport all together."

EOC President Spyros Capralos believes the Esports Championships will add value to Kraków-Małopolska 2023.

"The Esports Championships is an extraordinary addition to the European Games line-up and underscores the progressive vision of the diversity and inclusivity of the sports world, highlighting the common ground they share in terms of dedication, strategy, and the pursuit of excellence," the Greek official, also an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, said.

"We are delighted to collaborate with the Global Esports Federation on the first of many planned initiatives."

The chair of the EOC Coordination Commission for Kraków-Małopolska 2023 Hasan Arat also expressed his excitement at securing the inaugural Esports Championships.

"Esports is hugely popular worldwide, especially among the younger generation, and as the European Games continues to look for ways to innovate and attract a younger audience, this is a significant step," the Turkish official said.

European Games medals will not be awarded as part of the Esports Championships, but the agreement between the EOC and GEF marks another cautious strengthening in the Olympic Movement's ties with the gaming industry.

The IOC is set to hold its first Olympic Esports Series in Singapore next month, replacing the former Olympic Virtual Series which launched in 2021.

The Pan American Esports Championships is also set to be run by the GEF and Panam Sports alongside this year's Pan American Games in Santiago.

Rocket League and eFootball 2023 titles are set to be on offer at the European Games Esports Championships at the International Congress Centre in Katowice.

Kraków and the Małopolska region in southern Poland are due to host the third edition of the European Games from June 21 to July 2, with 29 sports on the programme.