Singapore‘s Parliament has passed a bill that formally recognises esports and mind sports, such as chess, as a sport after passing a bill on January 14th, 2026.
The amendments to the Singapore Sports Council Bill formally updated the Singapore Sports Council Act from 1973 to include esports and mind sports within its definition of ‘sports’.
Keep Reading
- Singapore takes a huge leap in formally recognising esports as a sport
- PGL to host Counter-Strike 2 Major in Singapore in 2026
- BLAST signs multi-year event deal with Singapore Tourism Board
As a result of the amendments passed through parliament, Sport Singapore (SportSG) will provide support based on the needs and governing standards of each activity. The newly-formalised bill aims to secure the future of Singapore’s sporting landscape as new forms of competition continue to emerge.
In addition to the formal recognition of esports, the bill has increased the powers of SportSG, which will establish new training facilities for athletes, alongside setting new standards for coaching and sports science.
“The bill is an important enabler in driving Singapore’s sporting culture, and for our national sport ecosystem to be inclusive, dynamic, and future-ready,” said David Neo, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. “It reaffirms that sport is for everyone, regardless of age or ability, and our effort for every Singaporean to live better through sport.”
The passing of the bill comes three months after the proposal was first read in Parliament on November 4th, 2025. Singapore is one of the few countries that formally recognises esports as a sport under national law.
Singapore Esports In 2026
In recent years, Singapore’s esports scene has continued to cement its place as one of Southeast Asia’s largest markets. In August 2025, the Singapore Tourism Board signed a multi-year deal with BLAST, bringing four high-profile events to the country.
Elsewhere, peripherals brand Razer opened an AI Centre of Excellence in the country, providing investment in AI gaming and product development.
This November, tournament organiser PGL will host a Counter-Strike Major in Singapore, with the playoffs taking place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Source: https://esportsinsider.com/2026/01/singapore-esports-recognition-bill-approval
