Building an Esports Ecosystem from the Grassroots Up
- Ben Akroyd
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Iceland, a remote island nation in the North Atlantic with a population of just over 370,000, has defied expectations by developing a comprehensive and sustainable esports ecosystem. This achievement stems from a multi-tiered approach combining grassroots engagement, national organization, city-level support, and innovative thinking.
Despite the global setbacks caused by COVID-19, Iceland’s low population density and geographical isolation allowed it to proceed with hosting major LAN events during a time when most other countries were forced to shut down. In 2021, Iceland successfully hosted two prestigious international events: the League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational and the VALORANT VCT Stage 2 Masters. These events put Iceland on the global esports map and showcased its logistical capabilities.
The foundation of this success lies in the Icelandic Esports Association (IEA), formed in 2018. Drawing inspiration from the nation’s well-established grassroots sports system (which famously helped Iceland’s national football team make a mark at the 2016 Euros), the IEA adopted a holistic and inclusive model for esports. Chairman Ólafur Steinarsson emphasized the importance of structure, purpose, and socialization in esports training—elements that are often missing in solo gaming or unstructured online play.
The IEA’s approach includes weekly, professionally coached sessions for youth, featuring game drills, fitness training, and team-building activities. This effort is supported by Reykjavik’s city council and embraced by parents who invest around $1,000 annually per child. With more than 1,000 children enrolled, this has generated a million-dollar grassroots esports economy in Iceland.
The success of this model has led the IEA to explore opportunities to scale it internationally. A software package is in development to help other regions replicate Iceland’s structured and community-driven esports approach. The country is not only producing better players but is also creating healthier attitudes toward gaming and sustainable infrastructure for future growth.
