2nd edition of the SXM Esport Festival: gaming makes a big comeback
On Saturday 25 July, the Sports Hall at the Jean-Louis Vanterpool Stadium will host the second edition of the SXM Esport Festival, an event dedicated to competitive video gaming and urban culture. Organised by the ANIS Saint-Martin association, with the support of Orange, the Collectivité, the French Government as part of the ‘Engagement 2030’ initiative, and the Territorial Olympic and Sports Committee, the event aims to offer young people a day combining competition, activities and new experiences, in a friendly atmosphere.
Following a successful first edition in 2022, the festival returns with an expanded programme. From 9am to 5.30pm, visitors will be able to watch or take part in several tournaments featuring some of the most popular games of the moment: EA Sports FC 26, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Tekken 8 and Just Dance. The best players will be vying for the title of Saint Martin champion, whilst younger players, aged 7 to 14, will have their own competition. The SXM Esports Festival also ties in with current international events. It is taking place during the 2026 Esports World Cup, which brings together the world’s best players in the same disciplines in Paris. It’s a way of allowing the island’s enthusiasts to experience, on their own scale, the excitement of this major global esports event. But the festival isn’t limited to consoles and screens.
Entry is free to the public and the day will be packed with activities: non-stop DJ sets, dance demonstrations and battles, an introduction to capoeira, sports activities, interactive quizzes and live performances. The major Just Dance tournament, to be held on a giant screen in the middle of the afternoon, promises to transform the Halle Vanterpool into a veritable performance arena. The tournaments will offer a total of €1,500 in prizes, in the form of cash, gaming equipment and vouchers. A charity raffle will also be held throughout the day to support future educational and cultural initiatives run by ANIS Saint-Martin for young people in the region. Free registration via WhatsApp on +590 690 66 58 93.
