The Swedish government has made a decision regarding the upcoming PGL Major. According to Swedish news site Expressen.se, esporters will be granted similar status to athletes, giving them easier access to visas and a lenient quarantine procedure.
The news follows weeks of speculation about the PGL major. As Sweden did not recognize gaming as a sport, PGL demanded guarantees from the local government. If these demands weren't met, the Major would be moved to a different location.
After weeks of negotiations, the Swedish government has met the first demand, guaranteeing entry to all participating players. The possibility to host the event in front of a live audience, the other demand by PGL, was not mentioned in the report.
We F*** did it. Esports athletes are now to go under the same travel exemptions as other sports in Sweden. Amazing work by @a_fa9 and the @NIP team, together with the different federations!
— Hicham Chahine (@ChahineHicham) August 19, 2021
Everyone will now be allowed entry for the major. #GONINJAShttps://t.co/5KaYQycdus
Ninjas in Pyjamas have actively participated in the negotiations. The team wants to bring the major to its hometown of Stockholm.