Esports in the UK: A Glance at the Present and Future
Esports in the UK are undergoing significant changes, with new opportunities emerging, and longstanding events marking their end. A special series of articles by Esports News UK, in collaboration with GGBET UK, has delved deeply into these shifts. This final article by Dom Sacco offers a comprehensive look at the future of UK esports, featuring insights from key figures and recent developments in five major games.
The Insomnia Gaming Festival has shut its doors, a move that has sent ripples through grassroots esports scenes across various games. Yet, other arenas continue to thrive. Epic.LAN and LANcraft Events are stepping in to provide vital LAN opportunities, especially for up-and-coming players and teams.
The Political Arena and Esports
On the political front, Labour emerged victorious in the 2024 general election, bringing Lisa Nandy into the position of culture secretary. Her role could prove pivotal for esports, though the Video Games and Esports All-Party Parliamentary Group saw the loss of several members post-election. This reshuffling within the government might reshape the landscape of support and regulation in the industry.
Rising Stars and Major Events
In competitive titles, UK players, teams, and talent continue to make waves. Valorant, a game experiencing rapid growth, recently saw UK player Benjyfishy signed by Heretics, which boasts a UK coaching duo of neilzinho and weber. Similarly, Keiko and Mistic are representing Team Liquid, while Scottish coach DrewSpark is now part of Sentinels. Theo ‘Ticey’ Cranshaw shines as a promising player in Polaris, and Ross ‘aNguiSt’ Pendleton is a standout in CGN Esports’ run in the DACH Evolution VCL.
Major global events in League of Legends gracing London further underscore the city’s growing relevance in the esports world. The MSI event at the Copper Box Arena and the LoL Worlds finals at the O2 have cemented London’s status as a hub for premier esports events.
The Community’s Voice
Within the community, opinions are mixed on the future landscape. Synygy of the UKEL expresses optimism: "I can say expect to see more and more events happening in the UK... and continued direct support for our ecosystem." However, not all share this rosy outlook. UK ADC Greggers has a more somber view: "Personally I think UK LoL is going to completely die out... There needs to be a massive change in funding at the top level to make them viable across Europe."
For Alex Lyndon, an esports student at Staffordshire University, the potential lies in harnessing local culture: "I am a big fan of the likes of Ruddy etc capitalising on UK/London culture in their content and marketing." Lyndon also sees the recent international events in UK venues as a significant boon: "There’s HUGE opportunity for strengthening infrastructure for events and tourism."
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these promising signs, challenges loom large. The closure of the ESL Premiership for the UK and Ireland has undoubtedly left a void, though the UK & Ireland Circuit (UKIC) and Epic.LAN continue to offer platforms for UK Counter-Strike teams. Into The Breach’s commendable performance, reaching the top eight at CSGO’s last major, along with their new roster featuring UK personality smooya, further exemplify the resilience and talent within the scene.
Reflecting on the shifting scene, Gareth, a UK caster, notes: "The landscape is always changing... This year we lost the DPC (Dota Pro Circuit), which was a very solid three seasons per year." His comments highlight the volatile nature of the esports industry but also the resilience needed to adapt and thrive.
The State of Call of Duty in the UK
For Call of Duty, the sentiment is one of dwindling optimism. Jacob Hale captures the mood: "It’s not easy for UK CoD fans to feel optimistic right now... fans have been left begging for the league to come back to England." The closure of a LAN venue in Middlesbrough exacerbates this bleak outlook, despite Call of Duty being one of the most popular esports in the UK.
Nevertheless, Noctem’s qualification for The Call of Duty Challengers Championship is a beacon of hope, suggesting that while the scene may be struggling, it is far from defeated.
As the UK navigates these turbulent waters, the call from industry stalwarts like Kieran Holmes-Darby to "Bring back Forge of Champions across UK and Ireland" resounds ever louder. The trajectory of UK esports is one of complexity, shaped by political shifts, promising talents, and the enduring spirit of its community.