Brazilian powerhouse Imperial Esports has officially opened its European headquarters in St Julian’s, marking a major milestone for Malta’s esports ecosystem. Known for their elite Counter-Strike roster, Imperial joins a growing list of global brands choosing Malta as their primary gateway to the European market.
A High-Performance Command Center
The new 180 square meter facility is located in one of the island’s premier commercial hubs. It was built to serve as a high-performance nerve center for several key operations:
- Elite Training: A dedicated base for professional team bootcamps and training.
- Media Production: Space for high-end content creation and live broadcasting.
- Global Logistics: Managing international competition schedules, including events in Asia.
- Community Support: Providing a venue for the Malta eSports Association and local tournaments.
“Choosing Malta was a strategic decision driven by the island’s strong connectivity and ability to support high-performance operations on a global scale.” – Ricardo Bonetti, COO of Imperial Esports
Economic Impact and Jobs
The arrival of Imperial Esports is a direct result of a 2019 strategy to turn competitive gaming into a primary economic niche. By attracting global leaders, Malta is successfully diversifying its economy and building a specialised hub for digital entertainment.
This growth is fueled by over €60 million in recent investments across eight new sector projects. These initiatives are set to create 1,300 new jobs, offering high-value career paths for specialised professionals and local talent.
For Maltese youth, this means access to future-proof careers without leaving the island. By hosting industry giants, Malta ensures its workforce can train and develop alongside the world’s best, keeping talent and opportunity on local shores.
Vision 2050
For Malta, Imperial Esports represents more than just a new business. It is a core component of the Malta Vision 2050 plan. This initiative aims to diversify the local economy by bringing global opportunities directly to the island.
As GamingMalta CEO Ivan Filletti noted, the “Make it in Malta” campaign continues to show that the island is the natural meeting point for players, creators, and tournament organisers looking to scale in Europe.
