Costa Rica has made history by sending its first esports delegation to the Panamerican Esports Championship, an event linked to the 2023 Pan American Games. On October 6, 2023, this delegation was officially sworn in alongside traditional athletes in a ceremony that highlighted Costa Rica’s growing recognition of esports. The team competes in eFootball 2023 and Dota 2, represented by Dylan Cerdas Rojas in the former and a skilled group of six players in the latter.
Cerdas has already earned a strong reputation, having represented Costa Rica in the 15th World Esports Championship in Romania earlier this year. In Dota 2, the national team includes Henry Gabriel Trejos Bonilla, Humberto Vargas Cordero, David Antonio Gamboa Chaves, Kenneth Adrián Martínez Avendaño, Josué David Murillo León, and Daniel Ortiz Espinoza. Several of these players previously represented the country in the 14th World Esports Championship in Indonesia in 2022.
Esports have seen remarkable growth worldwide, blending technology, competition, and strategic skills. Costa Rica’s participation in the Panamerican Esports Championship highlights the nation’s embrace of this burgeoning field, recognizing the potential of esports to rival traditional sports. This move positions Costa Rica as a future leader in Latin American esports, opening opportunities for young players, investments in infrastructure, and further development of local leagues and competitions.
Beyond the immediate competition, the participation of Costa Rica’s esports delegation is a broader reflection of the nation’s evolving approach to sports and entertainment. With the rise of professional gaming careers, streaming, and global sponsorships, esports has transformed into a lucrative and serious path for many. The country’s commitment to esports will likely inspire future generations to pursue gaming, fostering a vibrant and competitive community that will grow Costa Rica’s presence in international events.
