Trebinje hosted the first Mediterranean Gaming Festival last week, a unique international conference dedicated to gaming, esports, creative industries, tourism, and digital innovations.
What made this festival special was the fact that, for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trebinje welcomed numerous prominent figures from the global gaming and creative industries, as well as guests from over 20 countries across different continents. Over two days, Trebinje became an international meeting point for gaming, esports, and innovation.
“The Mediterranean Gaming Festival is much more than just a conference; it is proof of what can be achieved when ideas, enthusiasm, and a shared vision come together. I am proud that we brought together people from all over the world here in Trebinje and placed Bosnia and Herzegovina on the map of global events. From the very beginning, our goal was to show how gaming and esports can drive development—not only of the industry but also of tourism, culture, gastronomy, and education. For those who may not know, the gaming industry today is bigger than Hollywood and the music industry combined, and the prize pools at the largest esports tournaments exceed tens of millions of dollars. Preparations are already underway for the first Olympic Games to include esports disciplines. This clearly shows that gaming is not just a hobby but a serious global business and a future that opens up new jobs, opportunities, and perspectives for young people,” said Sanja Miovčić, Executive Director of the Impakt Investment Foundation and festival organizer.
The festival was officially opened with speeches by Mirko Ćurić, Mayor of Trebinje, Ante Šaravanja, President of the Esports Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Denis Šulić, Minister of Trade and Tourism of the Republic of Srpska.
The program included panel discussions, keynote speeches, case studies, esports tournaments, indie showcases, and VR/AR demo zones.
Among the speakers were some of the most notable global industry figures:
- Mostafa Abusamra, internationally recognized leader in digital transformation and gaming education in the MENA region
- Tiago Fernandes, Vice President of the Esports Federation of Portugal, Director of the Girl Gamer Esports Festival, and leading European expert on gaming business and innovation
- Boban Totovski, Secretary General of the International Esports Federation (IESF)
- Alejandro Alguacil Segura, world eFootball champion and global esports community promoter
- Dennis de Kanter, international consultant and innovator in gaming and education
- Yasin Nuri Vayensi, expert in esports management and gaming ecosystem development
- Domagoj Crnković (PISMO Incubator – Novska Project)
- Mario Čelan, CEO of Educatorium, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Space and Innovative Technologies
- And numerous regional influencers such as Idžo, Veki, Ignjat Kotlaja, and others.
Through discussions, participants emphasized the importance of developing esports as a driver of regional cooperation and professional opportunities, the need to involve youth and women in the industry, and the importance of connecting gaming with tourism, creative industries, and local development. A special part of the debate was dedicated to challenges in improving the regulatory framework, legislation, education, and the mental health of young people.
Mayor Mirko Ćurić added:
“It is a great honor that Trebinje was chosen to host this festival. Our city is a blend of tradition, culture, and hospitality, and now we are showing that we are ready to become a center of new technologies and creative industries. A synergy has been born here that will create new friendships, projects, and opportunities for the entire community. This is just the first step toward building a platform that will connect talents, investors, and institutions in the long run, and I believe that the festival in Trebinje will become one of the key meeting points for creative industries in this part of the Mediterranean. This festival is proof that we are heading in that direction.”
“Gaming and esports are no longer just entertainment; they are drivers of new jobs, innovation, and international cooperation. Through esports, young people develop new skills, from teamwork and discipline to digital competencies and entrepreneurial spirit. The development of esports in our region opens the door for professional leagues, sponsorships, new business models, and the creation of content that can connect audiences worldwide,” said Goran Kuzmić, Secretary General of the Esports Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the Esports Federation of the Republic of Srpska.
The organizers announced that the Mediterranean Gaming Festival Trebinje will become a traditional event. The plan for 2026 includes an even richer program with new partnerships and projects that will further strengthen the position of Trebinje and the entire region on the global map of gaming and esports.
The festival was held under the patronage of the City of Trebinje, with the support of the Ministry of Development and Entrepreneurship of the Republic of Srpska, the Ministry of Trade and Tourism of the Republic of Srpska, the Impakt Investment Foundation, and partners and sponsors: Mtel, Mozzart, Molson Coors, eAdriatic League, Esports Umbrella, Esports Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Esports Federation of Serbia, Esports Federation of the Republic of Srpska, Esports Federation of North Macedonia, Adria Esports Federation, Esports Federations of Croatia and Slovenia, World Phygital Community, Esports Integrity Commission, Trebinje Cultural Center, TREDEA, GoTrebinje, Herceg House, MONDO, Two Dots Media, Nebo Tours, Aurora.
