President of the Montenegro Esports Federation Filip Šoć gave an interview to the Players portal. In this interview, he explains how a strategic approach and gamification will help the region take a leading position in the global digital economy.
Montenegro Future Festival is positioned as one of the largest gaming and tech events in the region — what key mission are you embedding into this festival?
The core mission of Montenegro Future Festival is the development of a sustainable gaming, esports and technology ecosystem that connects industry, education, sport and innovation. The festival acts as a meeting point for institutions, companies, publishers, startups and the gaming community. Our goal is not only to organize competitions, but to create long-term opportunities for young professionals and regional industries. We are building bridges between local talent and global markets. MFF represents a platform where ideas, investments and partnerships are created. Ultimately, the mission is positioning Montenegro and the region within the global digital economy.
What role should the festival play in shaping the Balkans as a new hub for esports?
The festival helps position the Balkans as a collaborative hub connecting teams, organizations, startups, technology companies and global publishers. By bringing international stakeholders directly into the region, we enable real cooperation instead of isolated local growth. MFF creates opportunities for esports teams, tournament organizers, startups and gaming companies to enter global ecosystems. The region has talent, passion and infrastructure — what was missing was connection. Through the festival, Balkan markets become visible to international investors and publishers. This creates the foundation for long-term industry growth.
Do you see the potential to compete with the largest European events, or is this still more of a regional story?
Montenegro Future Festival is already positioning itself among relevant European and global industry events. The level of participating organizations, publishers and international speakers clearly moves the festival beyond a regional narrative. Our ambition is not to replicate existing events but to create a Mediterranean hub connecting Europe, Asia and emerging markets. Each year we see increasing participation from global stakeholders. This confirms that MFF is evolving into an internationally recognized platform. The growth trajectory places it alongside established European gaming and tech gatherings.
Where would you like to see the festival in 3–5 years?
Montenegro Future Festival is now entering its fourth year and already gathers leading global companies and decision-makers. This year alone we host over 500 international guests, more than 100 speakers from 60+ countries, and over 5,000 visitors across three days. In the next 3–5 years, we see the festival expanding internationally and potentially organizing similar events across Europe, the UAE and other global innovation hubs. The long-term vision is to build a recognizable global event brand originating from Montenegro. MFF aims to become a year-round ecosystem rather than a single annual event.
Investors and major companies attend the festival — what opportunities does this create for teams and media?
The presence of investors, publishers and technology companies creates direct business and development opportunities. Teams gain exposure to international partners and professional structures. Media gain access to exclusive global industry stories and collaborations. Startups and organizations can present their projects directly to decision-makers. Many partnerships begin through informal networking during the festival. MFF functions as a marketplace of ideas, talent and innovation.
To what extent is esports currently an economic driver for the region?
Esports increasingly contributes to tourism, digital production, IT development and youth employment across the region. Large international events generate economic activity and global visibility for host destinations.
This year, the festival broadcast will be streamed in Montenegrin, English and Spanish languages, significantly expanding international reach. The industry creates new professional roles in production, media, management and technology. Esports is no longer only entertainment — it represents a growing digital economy sector. Regional markets are beginning to recognize its long-term economic value.
Which technology will transform the industry faster — AI, Web3, or something else?
Artificial intelligence currently has the strongest transformational impact across gaming and esports. AI influences content production, analytics, broadcasting and fan engagement. However, the real transformation comes from combining multiple technologies within interactive ecosystems. Gaming often becomes the testing ground for future digital innovation. Technologies developed in gaming later expand into education, sport and business sectors. The speed of innovation in this industry remains unmatched.
Can esports already be considered a full-fledged sport on par with traditional disciplines?
In many countries esports already operates within structured sports systems. National federations, international championships and professional athlete pathways now exist globally. Players follow structured training, coaching and performance systems similar to traditional sports. Institutional recognition continues to grow every year. The distinction between digital and traditional competition is rapidly decreasing. Esports represents the evolution of competitive sport in the digital era.
Which trend in gaming is the most underestimated today?
Education through gaming and the gamification of learning remain significantly underestimated. Gaming environments improve engagement, teamwork and problem-solving skills among younger generations. Programs developed through initiatives such as NASEF demonstrate how esports integrates into education systems. Gamified learning can simplify complex educational processes and increase accessibility. Schools and institutions are beginning to recognize gaming as a learning tool. This area will shape the future relationship between education and technology.
What fundamentally differentiates Montenegro Future Festival from other esports events?
Montenegro Future Festival connects gaming, esports, technology, sport, education and business into one unified ecosystem. The focus goes beyond entertainment toward sustainable industry development. We work on building infrastructure, partnerships and knowledge exchange necessary for ecosystem growth. The festival supports talent development, innovation and institutional cooperation. It brings together all elements required for a functioning esports environment. This ecosystem-driven approach makes MFF unique.
Which moment or format of the festival makes your team the most proud?
The strongest moment is seeing local communities interact directly with global industry leaders. Young professionals gain access to opportunities previously unavailable in the region. International collaborations often begin during these interactions. The festival demonstrates how Montenegro can host globally relevant innovation platforms. Every year new partnerships emerge from these meetings. That long-term impact represents our greatest achievement.
What role do media play in the development of Europe’s esports ecosystem?
Media play a crucial role in shaping public perception and institutional understanding of esports. This year the festival hosts 40+ media representatives from more than 15 countries. Their coverage enables global visibility for regional initiatives. Media storytelling helps legitimize esports within mainstream audiences. Without professional media engagement, ecosystem growth would be significantly slower. Media partners become active contributors to industry development.
What does the industry lack more today — investment, talent, or quality coverage?
The biggest challenge today is qualified human capital. The industry needs professionals who truly understand esports operations and ecosystem dynamics. Knowledge across sport, technology and media is essential. Investment follows expertise and structure. Education and professional development therefore become key priorities. Skilled people remain the most valuable resource.
What should a media outlet do to become a strategic partner of the festival?
Strategic partnership requires continuous engagement with the gaming ecosystem, not only event coverage. Media outlets should actively follow industry development throughout the year. A strong example in Montenegro is Vijesti, which has consistently supported gaming through dedicated coverage. Long-term storytelling builds community trust. Strategic media partners grow alongside the ecosystem. Collaboration must create value beyond visibility.
Can the Balkan region become the new mecca of esports?
The region possesses strong talent, competitive culture and growing infrastructure. International organizations increasingly recognize Balkan potential. With continued cooperation between countries, growth can accelerate rapidly. Events like MFF act as catalysts for regional positioning. The opportunity clearly exists. Consistency will determine success.
What is more important today — the entertainment aspect or the competitive integrity of esports?
Both aspects are equally important for sustainable growth. Entertainment attracts audiences and expands communities. Competitive integrity ensures professionalism and trust. Successful events balance both components carefully. Without integrity competition loses credibility. Without entertainment audiences disappear.
What is the biggest mistake esports event organizers make?
The biggest mistake is focusing only on the event itself instead of ecosystem development. Events must provide value for players, guests, partners and audiences alike. Activities should exist before, during and after the festival. Community engagement and education are essential components. A successful event becomes a platform, not a one-time spectacle. Ecosystem thinking ensures long-term sustainability.
