The UK esports scene is undergoing significant transformations as it grapples with the closure of major events, the rise of new opportunities, and shifting dynamics within the global esports context. With insights from industry leaders and key stakeholders, it is clear where UK esports currently stands and where it may be heading.
Evolving Scene Amidst Event Closures
One of the most notable changes has been the closure of the Insomnia Gaming Festival, a major event that has long supported grassroots esports in multiple games. While this has undoubtedly impacted the UK's grassroots scene, other LAN events such as Epic.LAN and LANcraft Events have continued to provide essential opportunities for aspiring players.
"A LAN took place in Middlesbrough, but the venue recently shut down. The most disappointing part about all of this is that, according to some studies, Call of Duty is the most popular esport in the UK, beating out even the likes of Counter-Strike and League of Legends," commented Jacob Hale, highlighting the tenuous state of certain segments of the scene.
Political Changes and New Leadership
Political shifts have also played a role in shaping the future of esports in the UK. Labour's victory in the 2024 general election brought Lisa Nandy into the role of culture secretary. This change, combined with the loss of several members from the Video Games and Esports All-Party Parliamentary Group, signifies potential shifts in how esports may be supported at the governmental level.
Growing Collegiate Scene
Despite these challenges, there is notable growth within the collegiate scene, with UK's players, teams, and tournaments gaining prominence, especially through organizations like NSE and University Esports. This growth at the grassroots and collegiate levels is vital for nurturing the next generation of esports talent.
Esports Titles and UK Talent
UK players and teams continue to make their mark on the international stage. Valorant, in particular, has seen significant activity, with recent announcements of changes in 2025 and the involvement of top UK talent like Keiko and Mistic of Team Liquid. The UK's presence is also strong in CS:GO, where organizations like Viperio and Into The Breach have secured qualifications for major events.
Benjyfishy's signing by Heretics and the presence of a UK coaching duo in the team further underline the UK's continuing influence in the scene. Additionally, Scottish coach DrewSpark's role in Sentinels adds to the list of UK personalities making waves internationally. Ross 'aNguiSt' Pendleton’s performance in the DACH Evolution VCL and Theo 'Ticey' Cranshaw's potential in Polaris illustrate the breadth of UK's emerging talent across various games.
Prestigious Events and Challenges in Esports Infrastructure
Prestigious international events have also found their way to the UK, with London hosting major global events in League of Legends, such as the MSI at the Copper Box Arena and the LoL Worlds finals at the O2. "Additionally, with MSI last year and Worlds this year being in UK venues (and things like ESL Birmingham in other titles), there’s HUGE opportunity for strengthening infrastructure for events and tourism that make sure the UK can build a legacy that can thrive," commented Alex Lyndon, an esports student at Staffs Uni.
The ESL Premiership for the UK and Ireland may have closed, but Epic.LAN remains the main tournament series for UK CS teams, indicating a shift towards more specialized and localized events. The UK & Ireland Circuit (UKIC) has also stepped in to host LAN events for UK CS teams, ensuring that the competitive scene remains active.
Optimism Amid Uncertainty
Despite the closures and restructuring within the scene, there remains a sense of optimism and potential for growth. Synygy of the UKEL remarked, "I can say expect to see more and more events happening in the UK (see World Finals this year), more regular activations and Riot presence at existing events, and continued direct support for our ecosystem. What I’d like to see more of is the community realising the power they have in making the scene succeed."
However, not everyone shares this optimism. Greggers, a UK ADC, expressed concerns, "Personally I think UK LoL is going to completely die out, with the only thing left being grassroots and fun tournaments. There needs to be a massive change in funding at the top level to make them viable across Europe, and we need teams with established fan bases to come in and drive viewership."
The call for more support and infrastructure is echoed by many, and the hope is that with strategic investments and community engagement, the UK esports scene can achieve sustainable growth and success.