The landscape of UK esports is undergoing significant changes and facing both challenges and opportunities. As Esports News UK, in collaboration with betting partner GGBET UK, brings its series of in-depth articles to a close, we look at the future of UK esports in five major games, spearheaded by insights from industry experts and key stakeholders.
The Shifting Terrain of UK Esports
The closure of the Insomnia Gaming Festival has sent ripples through the grassroots esports scene, leaving a void in community-level tournaments across multiple games. However, hope is not lost as organizations like Epic.LAN and LANcraft Events continue to provide LAN opportunities, keeping the spirit of in-person competition alive.
With Labour's recent ascent to power in the 2024 general election, and the appointment of Lisa Nandy as the new culture secretary, the government’s approach to esports could see a renewed focus. Despite this, the Video Games and Esports All-Party Parliamentary Group lost several members post-election, signaling potential challenges in maintaining political support.
Valorant and League of Legends
Valorant remains a key competitive title with numerous UK players, talent, and collegiate-level tournaments, bolstered by entities like the NSE and University Esports. Recent changes to the Valorant Challengers esports format for 2025 have been unveiled, sparking anticipation and strategic recalibrations among UK teams.
Renowned organizations have bolstered their rosters with UK talent, reflecting the country's significant contributions to the scene. Heretics signed UK player Benjyfishy and the UK coaching duo of neilzinho and weber. Team Liquid features UK players Keiko and Mistic, while Scottish coach DrewSpark is now part of Sentinels. Rising star Theo ‘Ticey’ Cranshaw is making waves in Polaris, and Ross ‘aNguiSt’ Pendleton is a key player for CGN Esports in the DACH Evolution VCL.
The League of Legends scene recently hosted major global events in London, including the MSI at the Copper Box Arena and the LoL Worlds finals at the O2. The UKEL, the national league for League of Legends in the UK, has made a welcome return, marking a potential resurgence of domestic competition.
"I can say expect to see more and more events happening in the UK," remarked Synygy of the UKEL. "What I’d like to see more of is the community realizing the power they have in making the scene succeed."
However, the scene is not without its critics. "Personally, I think UK LoL is going to completely die out," said Greggers, a UK ADC player. "There needs to be a massive change in funding at the top level to make them viable across Europe."
CS2 and Other Titles
Counter-Strike remains a cornerstone of UK esports, with the recent launch of CS2 bringing renewed excitement. UK organizations Viperio and Into The Breach have qualified for the Blast Paris Major European RMR. Into The Breach notably reached the top eight at CSGO’s last major, signaling the potential for further success.
The closure of the ESL Premiership for the UK and Ireland is a significant blow. Nevertheless, UKIC, the UK & Ireland Circuit, continues to host LAN events, providing a platform for competition. Epic.LAN remains the primary LAN tournament series for UK CS teams, maintaining the grassroots momentum.
The Blast Premier Spring Final, held in London, showcased the UK's capability to host premier esports events. Meanwhile, Into The Breach has finalized their new roster for 2024, featuring prominent UK personality smooya.
Other titles also see UK representation. OG’s Ari participated in ESL One Birmingham, and Tundra Esports consistently competes in top-tier Dota 2 events. Noctem's qualification for The Call of Duty Challengers Championship reflects the ongoing competitive spirit.
Voices from the Scene
"I am a big fan of the likes of Ruddy etc., capitalizing on UK/London culture in their content and marketing," noted Alex Lyndon, an esports student at Staffs Uni. "Calling on your team’s foundational cultures is such a good way to build a community that is loyal."
The sentiment for a dedicated UK league is echoed by Lee Routly, a freelance producer and former associate producer of the UKLC: "I hope to see the UK League return to the UK and see it once again given the space to grow."
Kieran Holmes-Darby, co-founder of Excel Esports, succinctly summed it up: "Bring back Forge of Champions across UK and Ireland."
Challenges and Opportunities
The esports community is acutely aware of the changing dynamics. "The landscape is always changing," said Gareth, a UK caster. He highlighted the structural shifts within the Dota Pro Circuit and the evolving nature of major tournaments.
The situation in Call of Duty is particularly poignant. "It’s not easy for UK CoD fans to feel optimistic right now," lamented Jacob Hale. He pointed to the dwindling number of top-level national players and the lack of UK-based events, underscoring the need for renewed support and engagement.
Ultimately, while the path ahead is fraught with challenges, the resilience and passion of the UK esports community remain steadfast. As new opportunities and strategic initiatives arise, the scene stands ready to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving world of competitive gaming.