Stanis Elsborg is the head of Play the Game, an initiative that promotes promotes democratic values in world sports with an emphasis on freedom of expression, transparency, and open dialogue. He previously served as the organisation’s Head of Conference and Senior Analyst.

Elsborg is best known for his critical analysis of many prominent issues within sport and has contributed articles to numerous publications, including The New York Times, TV2 Denmark, Berlingske Tidende, Politiken and Jyllands-Posten. He was the coordinator and lead author of Play the Game‘s research project titled The Power Players Behind Saudi Arabia’s Sports Strategy. In 2024, the project was updated and expanded under the title Saudi Arabia’s Grip on World Sport.

He is also the founder of idrætshistorie.dk, a website dedicated to spreading knowledge about both Danish and international sports history. Alongside Professor Hans Bonde, he co-authored the Danish book With the Body into Culture: Sports History Forays, which explores the role of the body in culture through the lens of sports history.

In 2022, Elsborg received the Gerlev Award in recognition of his contributions to sports analysis and debate. Presented by the Gerlev Foundation, the award aims to encourage freedom of expression and democracy while supporting initiatives that challenge the established sports-political order.

Elsborg holds a Master of Science in Humanities and Social Sport Sciences from the University of Copenhagen, specialising in sport, politics, and national identity. He is also a guest lecturer at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports at the University of Copenhagen.