E-Sport-Verband Schleswig-Holstein (EVSH)

What E-Sport-Verband Schleswig-Holstein (EVSH) does

E-Sport-Verband Schleswig-Holstein (EVSH) is the official state-level sports association (Landesverband / Fachverband) for eSport in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Founded on June 13, 2021, and headquartered at the Landeszentrum für eSport und Digitalisierung (LEZ SH) in Kiel, the organization represents eSport clubs, traditional sports clubs with eSport departments, university groups, youth centers, and educational institutions across the state. EVSH is registered as a non-profit association (e.V., Vereinsregister VR 7309 KI) with a small core team of 5 employees and is led by an elected board including 1. Vorsitzende Nele Schmidt and 2. Vorsitzende Jana Möglich. Its mission centers on building sustainable eSport structures, representing the community politically, providing public education on gaming and youth protection, and fostering networking between eSport, traditional sport, education, and policy stakeholders.

The organization's core offerings comprise the annual E-Sport Landesmeisterschaften SH (state championships spanning titles such as E-Football, League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Valorant), the E-Sport-Trainer:innen-Ausbildung (trainer education including a €50 M1 Grundlagen module and a €300 C-Lizenz certification developed with the national eSport-Bund Deutschland), four Regionalzentren in Heide, Husum, Mölln, and Flensburg funded by €250,000 in state grants, plus educational workshops, youth protection advisory work, and networking events such as 'E-Sport SH – Let's Meet.' Technology is non-proprietary and comprises consumer/enterprise SaaS tools (Twitch, Toornament, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, web LMS) rather than in-house platforms.

EVSH operates a non-profit, multi-source revenue model. Documented inflows include €190,000 in 2022 state funding and €250,000 in 2023 state funding (via the Ministerium für Inneres, Kommunales, Wohnen und Sport — MIKWS), recurring membership fees from clubs and institutions, sponsorship contributions from Sparkassen in Schleswig-Holstein and HanseWerk-Gruppe, and per-participant training program fees (subsidized for Schleswig-Holstein residents). Participation in the state championships and most community events is free of charge. The organization is structurally dependent on continued public-sector support from the Land Schleswig-Holstein and on premium sponsorship from the regional Sparkassen group, with whom it signed a premium partnership in March 2023.

Name

E-Sport-Verband Schleswig-Holstein (EVSH)

Legal name

E-Sport-Verband Schleswig-Holstein e.V.

Website

https://e-sport.sh

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

E-Sport-Verband Schleswig-Holstein (EVSH) is the official state eSport Fachverband for Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Kiel. It serves eSport clubs, traditional sports clubs, universities, and youth organizations through state championships, trainer certification, four regional centers, and advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Kiel

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: EVSH generates revenue through membership fees from eSport clubs, associations, educational institutions, and organizations. Members include sports clubs with eSport departments, university groups, youth centers, libraries, youth protection organizations, tournament organizers, and media competency centers based in Schleswig-Holstein.
2. Government Funding and Grants: The organization receives funding from the Land Schleswig-Holstein and the Landeshauptstadt Kiel. Funding supports eSport center development, championship events, training programs, and general operations. The Ministry for Inner Affairs, Municipal Housing and Sport (MIKWS) is a key funding source.
3. Sponsorship and Partnership Revenue: Premium partnership with Sparkassen in Schleswig-Holstein and regional partnerships with Sparkasse Südholstein provide financial and marketing support. The Sparkassen contribute approximately 17 million euros annually to various societal initiatives in Schleswig-Holstein, including eSport.
4. Training Program Fees: Revenue generated from trainer certification courses including the 'Grundlagen des E-Sport-Trainings' (50 EUR per participant) and the C-Lizenz E-Sport-Trainer:innen program (300 EUR per participant, subsidized for Schleswig-Holstein residents).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

EVSH is the state-level eSports federation (Landesverband/Fachverband) for Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It organizes official annual eSports state championships (Landesmeisterschaften), delivers certified trainer education programs (Grundlagen module and C-Lizenz) in cooperation with the national eSport-Bund Deutschland (ESBD), coordinates a network of regional eSport training centers (Regionalzentren) and the LEZ SH hub, and provides education and youth programs covering media literacy, youth protection, and addiction prevention in eSports.

Product overview

E-Sport-Verband Schleswig-Holstein (EVSH) is a state-level sports association for esports in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The organization offers a portfolio of programs and services including the E-Sport-Landesmeisterschaften (state championships), E-Sport-Trainer:innen-Ausbildung (trainer education with foundational modules and C-Lizenz certification), coordination of four E-Sport-Regionalzentren (regional centers), and operates in partnership with the Landeszentrum für eSport und Digitalisierung (LEZ SH). The association also provides education and youth programs, networking events, and advocacy work. This is not a software/SaaS product company but a regional sports federation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• E-Sport-Landesmeisterschaften Schleswig-Holstein (State Championships) Official annual state eSports championships for Schleswig-Holstein featuring competitions across multiple game titles (E-Football, League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Valorant) with online qualifiers and offline finals at event venues. Free of charge for participants and open to SH residents and member organizations.
• E-Sport-Trainer:innen-Ausbildung (E-Sport Trainer Education) Certified trainer education program developed in cooperation with eSport-Bund Deutschland (ESBD) and LEZ SH, providing foundational knowledge in eSports training methodology, pedagogy, and sports science. Includes a Grundlagen module (€50 per participant) and a full C-Lizenz certification program (€300 per participant, subsidized for SH residents by MIKWS).
• E-Sport-Regionalzentren Schleswig-Holstein (Regional Centers) Network of regional training and competency centers complementing the central LEZ SH in Kiel. Four centers operate in Heide, Husum, Mölln, and Flensburg providing eSport training facilities, coworking spaces, and access for clubs, schools, and youth groups. Centers operate as Regionalzentren under local partner organizations such as PostSV Heide, Sport in Husum, and Möllner SV.
• Landeszentrum für eSport und Digitalisierung Schleswig-Holstein (LEZ SH) State-level knowledge and networking hub with dedicated eSport training facilities in central Kiel, co-located with EVSH's headquarters. Functions as a contact point for the eSports scene and other stakeholders including parents, sports clubs, youth centers, media facilities, prevention centers, schools, universities, and companies. Houses streaming studios and hosts trainer education programs and championship events.
• Networking Events and Community Activities Networking and community-building events such as 'E-Sport SH – Let's Meet' that bring together stakeholders from sports, eSports, business, politics, municipalities, youth work, and education sectors. Organized in cooperation with eSport-Bund Deutschland and held at LEZ SH, Regionalzentren, and partner venues.
• Bildung & Jugend (Education & Youth Programs) Educational programs and resources for educators, teachers, parents, and institutions covering topics at the intersection of gaming, youth, and education. Includes workshops, seminars, continuing education, and career orientation in eSports (such as E-Sport Job Sessions through opencampus.sh), plus contributions to youth protection and addiction prevention via the Beirat Suchtprävention advisory board.

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Holstenhallen NeumünsterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 July 2026Event venue partner for the 2026 E-Sport Landesmeisterschaften SH finals, hosted as part of the NEWGAME event in the Holstenhallen Neumünster.
• NEWGAMEminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 July 2026New gaming convention event at Holstenhallen Neumünster hosting the 2026 E-Sport Landesmeisterschaften SH finals.
• HanseWerk-GruppeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 July 2026Supporting the E-Sport Landesmeisterschaften Schleswig-Holstein for multiple years, contributing to regional gaming and eSport scene development.
• MAX Nachttheater KielminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 November 2023Event venue for the E-Sport Landesmeisterschaften SH 2023 finals. Provided stage and facilities for championship finals, cosplay activities, and gaming lounge.
• getDigitalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 November 2023Kiel-based merchandise shop providing prizes (gaming merchandise, gift vouchers) for championship winners and gaming giveaways at events.
• Nerdlicht e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 November 2023Cosplay organization providing cosplay activities and entertainment at championship events.
• Kiel of LegendsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 November 2023E-Sport university tournament organized by FH Kiel in cooperation with LEZ SH. EVSH supports and promotes collegiate eSport activities.
• Aktion Kinder- und Jugendschutz SH (AKJS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Child and youth protection organization involved in EVSH's Advisory Board for Addiction Prevention (Beirat Suchtprävention). Contributes expertise on youth protection in gaming contexts.
• Regionalzentrum Heide (PostSV Heide)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 March 2023One of four Regionalzentren established with 250,000 EUR government funding. Located at PostSV Heide sports club, serving the Heide region with training facilities and community access.
• Regionalzentrum Husum (Sport in Husum)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 March 2023One of four Regionalzentren established with 250,000 EUR government funding. Located at Sport in Husum, serving the Husum region with eSport training facilities.
• Regionalzentrum Mölln (Möllner SV)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 March 2023One of four Regionalzentren established with 250,000 EUR government funding. Located at Möllner SV sports club, opened in April 2023.
• Regionalzentrum FlensburgcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 March 2023One of four Regionalzentren established with 250,000 EUR government funding. Serving the Flensburg region with eSport training facilities and community programs.
• Sparkassen in Schleswig-HolsteincoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 March 2023Premium partner of EVSH. Sparkassen support responsible eSport development in Schleswig-Holstein through various association activities including the E-Sport Landesmeisterschaften SH. Sparkassen contribute approximately 17 million euros annually to societal initiatives in the region.
• Sparkasse SüdholsteinminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 March 2023Regional partner for eSport activities in Südholstein region, complementing the broader Sparkassen partnership.
• German Esports Summit (GES)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 December 2022EVSH participated in the German Esports Summit (GES) held during Dreamhack Hannover 2022, contributing to health management panel discussions.
• Dreamhack HannoverminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 December 2022Partner for panel stage activities at Dreamhack Hannover 2022. EVSH team members participated as panelists on eSport topics including societal potential and health management.
• Holstein KielminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2022Traditional football club with eSport department. Partnership between Holstein Kiel and LEZ SH for eSport cooperation, announced October 2023.
• FLEET7 Coworking-SpaceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2022Co-organized the 'Games, Esports & More' event during Digitale Woche Kiel 2022 at the FLEET7 location in Kiel.
• XR OceanminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2022Extended reality and digital innovation network. Co-organized the 'Games, Esports & More' event during Digitale Woche Kiel 2022.
• Gamevention NeumünsterminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 September 2022Official eSport partner of Gamevention 2022 in Neumünster. EVSH hosted the first official E-Sport Landesmeisterschaften finals at the Gamevention event.
• eSport-Bund Deutschland e.V. (ESBD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2021National-level eSport federation. EVSH was founded in cooperation with ESBD, which developed the trainer certification curriculum (C-Lizenz). EVSH represents Schleswig-Holstein within the national eSport structure.
• Landeszentrum für eSport und Digitalisierung SH (LEZ SH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2021Co-located state eSport hub and training facility in Kiel. LEZ SH serves as EVSH headquarters, championship venue, and training center. Jointly developed the E-Sport Kompass SH brochure. Martin Müller is the founding figure of LEZ SH.
• IFgameSH e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2021Regional eSport organization based in Schleswig-Holstein. Co-creator of the E-Sport Kompass SH brochure. Operates E-Sport Job Sessions through opencampus.sh education platform.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• eSport-Verband Berlin-Brandenburg e.V. State-level eSport association in a neighboring German Bundesland with parallel responsibilities (championships, trainer education, advocacy) — directly comparable to EVSH's mandate.
• eSport-Verband Hessen e.V. Hesse state eSports association with the same Fachverband role, organizing regional championships and serving as another ESBD-aligned Landesverband peer.
• eSport-Verband Niedersachsen e.V. (ESVN): State-level eSports association for Lower Saxony providing championships, education and regional coordination; a structural twin to EVSH within the ESBD network.
• eSport-Bund Deutschland (ESBD): National eSport federation in Germany. EVSH was founded in cooperation with ESBD, which also developed the trainer certification curriculum (C-Lizenz) EVSH delivers — making it the closest functional and structural peer.
• Bayerischer eSport-Verband (BayESV): Bavarian state eSport association offering state championships, trainer education and political advocacy — operating the same Landesverband model as EVSH but at larger scale.
• ESN – eSport-Verband Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. State-level eSports association in Germany's largest Bundesland by population, running comparable championship and trainer-certification programs — useful as a scaled-up analogue to EVSH.

Broad incumbents

• Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund (DOSB): Germany's national umbrella for organized sport. EVSH's recognition and funding pathway is closely tied to the broader debate over eSport's inclusion in DOSB, making it a strategic incumbent framing the political landscape.
• ESL Gaming: Large commercial eSports tournament operator and event producer (e.g., Dreamhack). It is not a direct peer in structure but competes for audience attention, sponsorship and event prestige relevant to EVSH's championship series.

Emerging players

• British Esports Federation: UK national eSports federation with a similar remit of national championships, education and federation recognition — a useful international peer for benchmarking EVSH's institutional trajectory.

Regional players

• Landessportverband Schleswig-Holstein: Umbrella sports federation for Schleswig-Holstein. EVSH engages with traditional clubs via this body's network; their relationship defines how eSport integrates with the established regional sports ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/esportverbandsh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/evsh
• Instagraminstagram.com/esportverbandsh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about E-Sport-Verband Schleswig-Holstein (EVSH)