Esports: A Historic Debut at the Central American and Caribbean Games
Sport evolves alongside new generations, and so do the Central American and Caribbean Games. The inclusion of esports in the official programme marks a historic milestone for the regional sports movement, opening the door to a discipline that has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years and attracted millions of fans around the world.
Its debut at Santo Domingo 2026 reflects the Games’ ability to evolve while remaining true to their commitment to sporting excellence. Esports combine strategy, quick decision-making, teamwork and constant preparation—skills that are now an essential part of high-performance competition and have helped establish the discipline as a growing force on the international stage.
Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia and Cuba are among the countries that have driven the development of esports across the region through national leagues, international competitions and programmes designed to support the next generation of athletes. Among the discipline’s best-known figures is Mexico’s Raúl “AkaCorleone” Manríquez, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of esports in Latin America, along with other players who have contributed to the sport’s continued growth and international projection.
Esports will make their official debut at the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, with competition taking place from July 30 to August 2 at the Esports Pavilion of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Centre. The tournament will feature 80 athletes competing across a selection of game titles chosen by the organizers, reflecting both the diversity and the global reach of the discipline.
More than an innovation, the arrival of esports demonstrates the Games’ ability to evolve alongside sport and new generations. At Santo Domingo 2026, esports will write the first chapter of their history at the Central American and Caribbean Games, broadening the reach of the regional sports movement while creating new opportunities for the athletes of tomorrow.