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Esports has taken the world by storm in recent years, with millions of fans tuning in to watch their favorite players and teams compete in virtual battles. Despite its growing popularity, however, esports players have faced numerous challenges when it comes to traveling internationally to compete in tournaments. Obtaining visas has often been a difficult and time-consuming process, with many players being denied entry to countries for various reasons. However, thanks to the efforts of one esports organization, Team Liquid, the Netherlands has become the first country to offer dedicated visas for esports players and other industry professionals.
Team Liquid is a professional esports organization that fields teams in a variety of games, including League of Legends, Dota 2, and Fortnite. Founded in 2000, the team has grown to become one of the most successful and recognizable organizations in the industry, with numerous championships and millions of fans worldwide. In 2018, the team faced a major challenge when several of its players were denied entry to the United States to compete in a tournament. The players were ultimately able to secure visas, but the experience highlighted the difficulties that esports players face when traveling internationally.
Realizing that this was a problem that affected the entire esports industry, Team Liquid decided to take action. The team partnered with the Dutch government to launch an initiative to create dedicated visas for esports players and other industry professionals. The initiative was spearheaded by Victor Goossens, one of the founders of Team Liquid, and Michiel Bakker, the team’s managing director.
The process of creating the visas was not an easy one. Team Liquid had to work closely with the Dutch government to create a new visa category that would specifically address the needs of esports players and industry professionals. The team also had to demonstrate that esports was a legitimate industry that deserved recognition and support from the government.
In 2019, after months of hard work and collaboration, the Dutch government announced that it would be offering dedicated visas for esports players and other industry professionals. The new visa category would make it easier for esports players to travel to the Netherlands to compete in tournaments and other events, and would also provide a pathway for professionals in the industry to work in the country.
The announcement was met with widespread praise from the esports community. Many players and industry professionals had long struggled to obtain visas for international travel, and the new system in the Netherlands promised to make the process much easier. Other countries soon followed suit, with France, Denmark, and Germany all introducing similar visa programs for esports professionals.
The impact of the new visa system has been significant. Esports tournaments and events have become more accessible to players from around the world, and the industry as a whole has become more globalized. The Dutch government has also recognized the potential economic benefits of supporting the esports industry, with esports events bringing in millions of dollars in revenue each year.
For Team Liquid, the creation of the new visa system was a major accomplishment. The team had taken a problem that had affected its own players and turned it into an opportunity to benefit the entire esports industry. The initiative demonstrated the team’s commitment to supporting its players and to promoting the growth and development of the esports industry as a whole.
In conclusion, Team Liquid’s efforts to create dedicated visas for esports players and industry professionals have had a significant impact on the industry. The new visa system has made it easier for players to travel internationally to compete in tournaments and has provided a pathway for professionals in the industry to work in the Netherlands. The initiative has also highlighted the potential economic benefits of supporting the esports industry, and has helped to promote the growth and development of the industry worldwide. Overall, Team Liquid’s role in bringing about this important change has demonstrated the team’s commitment to its players and to the broader esports community.
