“Inside Esports Bangladesh: Campus Edition – Chapter 1”

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, AIUB Computer Club organized a workshop, titled “Inside Esports Bangladesh: Campus Edition – Chapter 1” in collaboration with Zenetic Esports and LEVEL7. This event marked a spectacular moment as Bangladesh's first-ever Esports education and youth development workshop, designed to inspire and educate students about the growing opportunities within the Esports industry. The program unfolded with engaging sessions that highlighted the vast potential of Esports as a career and an industry.

Professor Dr. Saiful Islam, the Vice-Chancellor of American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), was present during the session and delivered an inspiring speech to encourage everyone. Mr. Abhijit Bhowmik, Associate Professor and Special Assistant of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), Department of Computer Science, AIUB presented an insightful overview of game development, including the steps involved and the business models that drive the industry. He expressed his gratitude to Zenetic Esports for their efforts to empower youth through initiatives like this workshop. A key speech was delivered by Md. Rashid Uz Zaman, Co-Founder and COO, Zenetic Esports and CTO, LEVEL7, on how digital gaming can evolve into a recognized sport. He distinguished between casual gaming and competitive Esports, offering a fresh perspective on the industry’s dynamics.

Mr. Muhammad Aliur Rahman, CEO of LEVEL7 and the founder and CEO of Zenetic Esports, gave an inspirational speech that was a major highlight of the program. Drawing on his vast expertise as head of production for 13 events and campaign director for over 83, he offered insightful commentary on the organizing of tournaments, the broader scope of esports, and the special opportunity Zenetic Esports offers students. Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, was our main guest, and his speech was another highlight. He emphasized the value of empowering young people via esports and how it may mold future leaders. In support of these viewpoints, Major (Retd.) Imroze Ahmed, a member of the Ministry of Youth and Sports' Search Committee, provided a fascinating summary of the vital role that discipline plays in both traditional sports and esports.

The workshop covered a diverse range of topics, including the differences between casual gaming and Esports, global industry opportunities, market trends, and careers in Esports management and production. Participants also explored STEM and business prospects within the field. Interactive activities such as Arcade Gaming, EAFC25, and a Racing Simulator added an engaging touch to the event. An inspiring introductory video showcased the aspirations and growth of the Esports industry in Bangladesh, while a lively Q&A session with industry experts provided valuable insights to conclude the workshop. Overall, participants gained insightful knowledge about the Esports sector from the session, along with advice for prospective professionals hoping to pursue a career in this exciting field.