BIMM Cities / Video Games

Esports in Berlin: Competing and connecting with fellow gamers

19th August 2024

Esports has taken the world by storm, and Berlin is no exception. In the past 10 years, Germany’s capital city has become a hotspot for esports tournaments, events and organisations. If you’re passionate about esports and gaming, this is the place to be.

Join us at BIMM University Berlin and instantly become part of a thriving community of games enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned esports competitor or a casual gamer, this is the perfect place to dive into your passion. This article explores the exciting world of esports and provides recommendations for the best gaming spots and groups in Berlin.

Esports events and organisations

Berlin boasts several state-of-the-art venues that host major esports tournaments. This includes the Mercedes-Benz Arena – which hosted the League of Legends World Championship and the PUBG Global Invitational – and the new Riot Games Arena (formerly LEC Studio). Venues and events such as these draw thousands of spectators and millions of online viewers, highlighting Berlin’s role as a key player in the global esports scene.

As well as large-scale tournaments, Berlin is home to numerous smaller locations that cater to a variety of games and skill levels. You can visit local gaming bars, such as LVL World of Gaming, or esports arcades like OffWorld Gaming Berlin. Both venues offer a fun and welcoming atmosphere for gamers to compete and socialise. 

Berlin is also the headquarters of some of the best esports teams out there. Big names like G2 Esports and BIG (Berlin International Gaming) are based here, cementing its status as an esports powerhouse. These organisations not only compete at the highest levels but also boost the local gaming ecosystem by hosting events all over the city.  

Gaming communities in Berlin

Berlin’s gaming scene is powered by numerous communities and clubs that cater to a wide range of interests. Berlin Esports e.V., for example, regularly organises tournaments for games like FIFA, Counter-Strike and Dota 2. The group provides gamers with plenty of opportunities to connect, compete and even win prizes.

At BIMM University Berlin, you can join or create a student society based on your interests. With our brand-new video games courses starting in September 2024, there will be plenty of students willing to partake in casual game nights and competitive tournaments. Societies are perfect for meeting fellow student gamers, improving your skills, and making the most of your university experience.

In addition to in-person events, Berlin’s gaming community thrives online. Platforms like Meetup, Discord and Reddit have groups where gamers can chat, share tips and organise gatherings.  These online communities are invaluable for staying informed about upcoming events, finding teammates, and connecting with gamers from all over the city. A couple of examples include Queer Gamers Berlin and Game Berlin, and you can find plenty more on the Tabletop website.

Inclusivity and diversity

Berlin’s international community means that you’ll meet people from all over the world, all bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. This diversity will enrich your university life and gaming experiences, fostering a global outlook that’s essential in the interconnected world of esports.

The city’s gaming community is certainly making progress when it comes to inclusivity and diversity. Initiatives aimed at supporting female gamers, LGBTQ+ players and gamers from diverse backgrounds are gaining traction. Indeed, conferences such as Womenize! allow female gamers to find one another, and Berlin even hosted the very first Equal Esports Festival back in 2021.

Study with us!

Berlin is an incredibly exciting city for gamers, offering a rich tapestry of esports events and gaming communities. Whether you’re competing in tournaments or simply enjoying casual game nights with friends, there are endless opportunities to connect with fellow gamers.

At BIMM University Berlin, we’ve got the knowledge, facilities and connections that you need to take your passion for video games to the next level. Make sure you check out the BIMM Student Association (BSA), which offers a wide range of student-run events and societies to enhance your experience and support your integration into both the city and the university.

So, if you would like to be a part of Berlin’s electrifying gaming scene, join us at BIMM University Berlin to study one of our innovative video games courses.

Author

BIMM University

BIMM University provides an extensive range of courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking, and creative technology to over 8,000 students across 14 schools in the UK, Ireland, and Germany. We have a long-standing commitment to providing the highest quality in creative industries education, allowing students to maximise their career potential in an inclusive community built on a culture of shared passion, creativity, and collaboration. Berlin | Birmingham | Brighton | Bristol | Dublin | Essex | London | Manchester