European grassroots esports are participant-oriented, value-based and value-driven local communities that allow beginners and aspiring players to engage in esports and gaming activities. Grassroots esports initiatives are non-profit and centred on fostering an inclusive environment, driven partly or solely by volunteers. Stakeholders of grassroots esports include national and international associations and federations, sports clubs, the local community, cross-sector initiatives and schools. Additionally, game developers/publishers, professional teams, players and event organisers, media, sponsors and governments play important roles in grassroots esports. We have identified five common approaches to grassroots esports based in schools, communities, sports cross-sector initiatives and commercial initiatives. Each approach can be done differently, which is showcased in European case studies. This document is the result of Work Package 1 of the European Grassroots Esports project https://esports.isca.org/
