The past year has been a whirlwind for the UK esports scene, filled with both triumphant highs and concerning lows. As we look into the ongoing developments and future prospects of UK esports, it’s clear that the community is standing at a critical juncture.
The Rise and Fall of Events
One of the most impactful moments in recent UK esports history was the closure of the Insomnia Gaming Festival, a key grassroots event. This closure has left a gaping hole in the community, especially for newer and smaller teams. Despite this loss, LAN opportunities continue to thrive through events organized by Epic.LAN and LANcraft, ensuring that local talent still has a stage to shine on.
Competitive Valorant continues to evolve, with recent changes announced for the 2025 Valorant Challengers series. Additionally, rumors circulate about the Northern Europe scene moving towards national leagues, which may alter the landscape yet again.
UK Talent on the Global Stage
Meanwhile, UK players and teams continue to make their mark internationally. Heretics recently signed prominent UK player Benjyfishy and boast a UK coaching duo, neilzinho and weber. Team Liquid now features UK talents Keiko and Mistic, while Scottish coach DrewSpark has joined Sentinels. Rising stars like Theo 'Ticey' Cranshaw of Polaris and Ross 'aNguiSt' Pendleton of CGN Esports continue to impress.
The completion of the British Esports Student Champs 2024 finals, featuring Burnley Bees and CONEL, highlights the burgeoning collegiate scene, further supported by National Student Esports (NSE) and University Esports programs.
League of Legends Returns to the UK
Major events in the League of Legends (LoL) arena have also found a home in the UK, with the MSI at the Copper Box Arena and the LoL Worlds finals at the O2 marking significant milestones. The return of the UKEL (UK national league for LoL) has reinvigorated the local scene, promising a healthy pipeline for aspiring players.
Commenting on these developments, Synygy of the UKEL said, "Expect to see more and more events happening in the UK, 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 realizing the power they have in making the scene succeed."
However, not everyone shares this optimism. "Personally, I think UK LoL is going to completely die out, with the only thing left being grassroots and fun tournaments," warned UK ADC player Greggers. He added, "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."
Looking Beyond LoL
In the Counter-Strike scene, the launch of CS2 and the qualification of Viperio and Into The Breach for the Blast Paris Major European RMR indicate a promising future. Into The Breach's recent top-eight finish at CSGO’s last major is a testament to the team's growth and potential. The UKIC and Epic.LAN continue to offer critical LAN platforms for UK CS teams, even as the ESL Premiership for the UK and Ireland has closed down. The Blast Premier Spring Final held in London was yet another highlight, drawing significant attention and viewership.
This year also saw Noctem earning a spot at The Call of Duty Challengers Championship, although the future of UK Call of Duty (CoD) remains uncertain. As esports journalist Jacob Hale noted, "It’s not easy for UK CoD fans to feel optimistic right now. There is a dwindling number of national players competing at the top level, and the fan-favorites who once challenged for world championships now find themselves struggling to find their place in the space, or leaving it entirely."
Building a Lasting Legacy
Despite these challenges, industry figures remain hopeful. Alex Lyndon, an esports student at Staffs University, emphasized the importance of local culture and community in building strong esports brands. "I am a big fan of the likes of Ruddy etc capitalizing on UK/London culture in their content and marketing. Going forward, calling on your team’s foundational cultures is such a good way to build a community that is loyal," he said. Lyndon also highlighted the potential for infrastructural growth, adding, "With MSI last year and Worlds this year being in UK venues, there’s HUGE opportunity for strengthening infrastructure for events and tourism."
Even with the ever-changing landscape, commentators like ODPixel find solace in the UK’s ability to host prestigious events. "All the ESL One Birmingham’s have been amazing, the crowds have been amazing. I really hope this continues to be a yearly thing," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of consistent, high-quality events for sustained growth.
The UK esports scene stands at a pivotal moment. Continued support from the community, strategic investments, and leveraging local culture will be key to navigating the challenges and harnessing the potential that lies ahead. While the future remains uncertain, the talent, passion, and potential within the UK’s esports ecosystem suggest that it’s far from game over.