The second iteration of the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival is set to take place in Lisbon, Portugal on July 20th-22nd. The event is organised by Grow uP eSports in partnership with The Rainbow, Kaisun Energy Group, Evoloop, and Metta Sport.

This festival supports and celebrates women’s inclusion in esports and competitive gaming. It’ll include an esports business conference, as well as competitions in both Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends. There will also be a public Clash Royale tournament.

Telmo Silva, CEO of Grow uP eSports stated: “The underlying idea of GIRLGAMER was born from the belief that esports competitions should be universal and inclusive. However, the female representation in the professional esports scene is still very low. Therefore, as a way to develop and motivate women’s competitiveness, we have created GIRLGAMER.”

GIRLGAMER Esports Festival is sponsored by Sephora, marking the first time that the beauty and cosmetic retailer has entered esports in such a capacity.

Paula Rocha, Marketing Director for Sephora discussed the brand’s entrance into esports: “We believe that, just as in the beauty market, gaming is no longer represented nor limited by genders. As a trendsetter brand and promoter of differentiating experiences, we are pleased to partner up with GIRLGAMER!”

The conference part of the three-day event will see keynotes delivered by figures in the industry, discussing topics such as the potential of esports and the challenges of the industry. The keynotes will also “present investment opportunities and successful international case studies.”

Nuno Sardinha from Casino Estoril, the venue that will host the festival, also commented: “We’ve been considering the best way to get involved with new entertainment trends, and we’re so pleased to host an international event like the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival for such a noble cause as inclusion, in our prestigious venue. It is perfectly aligned with the type of events we want to have in Casino Estoril.”

GIRLGAMER Esports Festival is supported by both the Portugese Institute of Sports and Youth and the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The first festival was held last year in Macua, China and was broadcast worldwide – clocking in over 1.4 million views online.

Popular female CS:GO team Dignitas fe will be in attendance once again, looking to defend its title after winning the invitational in 2017. Tickets for the upcoming GIRLGAMER Esports Festival are available here.

Esports Insider says: We fully appreciate any sort of initiative that supports the inclusion of females and other under-represented minorities in the esports industry, so seeing the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival return for a second year is great news for all. Bringing in a non-endemic sponsor in Sephora is awesome, too!

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