British Esports (formerly the British Esports Association) is the national body for esports for the United Kingdom. Authority was given by the UK Government to be established in January 2016 and is a not-for-profit organisation.
British Esports is the recognised member of the Global Esports Federation (GEF) for Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland. British Esports is responsible for the participation in the Global Esports Games of athletes from GB and NI, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and UK Overseas Territories which are not members of GEF.
British Esports acts as an umbrella organisation for the home nation associations during the Commonwealth Esports Championships:
• Esports England (fully operated by British Esports)
• Esports Northern Ireland (currently operated by British Esports)
• Esports Wales (supported by British Esports)
• Esports Scotland (supported by British Esports)
British Esports is a founding member of the IOC’s esports and gaming liaison group.
As a national body, our aims are to support esports and provide expertise and advice. We are focused on the grassroots level of esports and are not a governing body.
We do not promote esports as a rival to traditional sport, but as a credible activity in its own right which can have positive cognitive and other benefits when done in moderation. Esports promotes teamwork and communication, develops communities and provides jobs.
We help to educate parents, teachers, media, policy makers and government – around what esports is and its benefits. We’re working with schools, libraries and other educational establishments to embrace esports and create some inspiring events and activities.
Our three goals are to:
- Promote esports in the UK and increase its level of awareness
- Improve the standard of UK esports
- Inspire future talent