Guarding the Digital Arena: ATILIM GYM- Amstelveen Hosts the Kick-Off of Erasmus+ “GUARD” Project

As the world of competitive gaming continues to explode in popularity, a new international coalition is stepping up to ensure the integrity and health of its players. On January 10, 2026, ATILIM will host to the official Kick-Off meeting of Project GUARD, a pioneering initiative co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ program.

The project addresses a growing yet often overlooked shadow in the gaming world: the use of performance-enhancing substances, or doping, among e-sports players.

A Mission for Integrity in E-sports

While doping has long been a central focus of traditional athletic sports, the e-sports industry—now a billion-dollar global phenomenon—is facing its own unique challenges. From cognitive enhancers to stimulants, the pressure to perform at elite levels has led to an increased risk of substance use.

Project GUARD aims to tackle this head-on by:

• Increasing awareness of the health risks and ethical implications of doping.

• Educating players, coaches, and teams on clean competition.

• Creating a safer environment for the next generation of digital athletes.

An International Consortium

The strength of GUARD lies in its diverse, pan-European partnership. The project brings together academic expertise and private-sector innovation from across the continent:

• Universities: One leading institution in Poland and another in Spain provide the research and pedagogical backbone.

• Private Sector: Expert companies from Estonia and Poland bring technical and strategic insights.

• The Dutch Connection: ATILIM Martial Arts & Wellness BV serves as the primary Dutch partner, joined by Stichting BARIS Institute as an associated partner.

The Kick-Off Meeting: January 10, 2026

The official launch of the project will be hosted by ATILIM Martial Arts & Wellness BV in the Netherlands. This meeting marks the first time the full consortium will gather in person to align strategy and deliverables.

ATILIM will be a key participant in these discussions. As a partner, ATILIM will engage with the consortium to identify specific contribution opportunities, leveraging their local expertise to help implement the project’s goals within the Netherlands and beyond.

"The launch of Project GUARD represents a vital step in professionalizing e-sports. By bringing together experts from the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Estonia, we are building a shield—a 'GUARD'—around the health and fair play of our digital athletes."

Looking Ahead

The GUARD project is set to run as a two-year initiative, producing resources and campaigns designed to reach e-sports communities across Europe. By focusing on education rather than just enforcement, the consortium hopes to foster a culture where "clean play" is the only way to play.

Stay tuned to our blog for updates directly from the Kick-Off meeting and to learn more about how ATILIM is contributing to a cleaner future for e-sports.