The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum was recently held in Russia earlier this month, and during the event Russia's Minister of Sports Pavel Kolobkov had very positive things to say about esports, as reported by Esports Insider.
He said that he views esports as legitimate, because it includes everything that makes traditional sports respected, including rules, tournament systems, training, and more, adding that the International Olympic Committee has changed their views towards the field, opening up to the possibility.
He doesn't necessarily see a future where esports could take the place of traditional sports though, but they can exist alongside each other, and the Russian government wants to work with the industry to help develop the scene, and ensure regulations for development.
Where can we see esports five years from now?