During the Tryhar'days 2026, the Cité des Jeux and Eleven Esport unveiled the first Departmental Esport League initiative in Deux-Sèvres. Supported by the City of Parthenay, this initiative aims to make esports accessible and inclusive in rural and semi-rural areas.
This league, a first in the department, aims to make video game practice accessible and inclusive, promote equal opportunities, and encourage regular and thoughtful use. The partners wish to see esports flourish in the local socio-cultural landscape, driven by shared values common to many sports disciplines.
Born from discussions initiated with the creation of Eleven Esport in 2022, the Departmental Esport League aims to unite local players through teams, training, events, and educational support. The project addresses the lack of structure in video game practice within the department, seeking to prevent risky usage, help parents and professionals better understand video games, and offer young people a collective environment based on fair play, teamwork, and responsibility.
The league relies on local teams representing five sectors of Deux-Sèvres: Parthenay, Bressuire, Niort, Saint-Maixent-l’École, and Thouars. Recruits must be at least 16 years old, reside in one of these sectors, have a basic level of play, and be motivated. Teams will be mixed when possible, with an explicit goal to better represent female players and make the practice accessible to people with disabilities through adapted equipment.
This initiative is a continuation of the city of Parthenay's gaming policy, which has been developing a gaming sector since 2022 with the objective of making Parthenay the European capital of gaming. The city has had an esports hub for 4 years, managed by the association ELEVEN Esport and hosted in a playful third space in the city center. This event highlights the city of Parthenay's commitment to promoting innovation, the emergence of new cultural and sporting practices, and valuing initiatives that contribute to the attractiveness of our territories.
