Esports Wales | |
| Abbreviation | ESW |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2018 [1] |
| Type | National governing body |
| Headquarters | Wales |
Region served | Wales |
CEO | John Jackson [2] |
| Website | https://esportswales.org |
Esports Wales (abbreviated ESW) is the national governing body for esports in Wales. Founded in 2018, it organises domestic competitions, supports grassroots development, and oversees Welsh teams competing at international tournaments. [1] [3] The organisation operates nationally whilst working collaboratively with other esports governing bodies in the United Kingdom, such as the British Esports Federation and Esports Scotland. [4] [5]
Esports Wales was established in 2018 with the aim of building grassroots competition and creating a pathway for Welsh players to compete internationally. [1] [6] John Jackson, the organisation’s first chief executive, emphasised education, inclusion, and competitive opportunities. [2]
In 2022 the body launched the Welsh Esports League (WEL), initially featuring titles such as Counter-Strike, Rocket League and EA Sports FC. [4] Teams including the Pit Ponies, Dragons RFC, and S.E.A. Dragons competed regularly, drawing coverage from local and regional media. [7] [8]
That same year, Wales entered official national squads into the Commonwealth Esports Championships in Birmingham, its first appearance at an international event. [9] [10]
Wales later took part in the Hado European Championships and at the European Games Esports event. [11]
By 2023–24 the organisation had secured funding support from Media Cymru and Creative Wales to expand infrastructure and education programmes. [12] [13] It also introduced accredited esports qualifications with Agored Cymru and launched the annual Welsh Masters tournament.
The Welsh Esports League (WEL) was launched in 2022 as the first structured national esports competition in Wales. [4] It was modelled on traditional sports leagues, with regular seasons, playoffs, and a system of promotion and relegation. [7]
The competition began with Rocket League and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive , later expanding to include titles such as Counter-Strike 2 , EA Sports FC and eFootball . [14] [4] The league now includes 16 teams, both full member and affiliate clubs across Wales. [15]
Teams in the WEL have ranged from university and community-based sides to organisations linked with professional sport. Dragons RFC entered a team, while Brecon-based S.E.A. Dragons attracted attention after defeating Pit Ponies and Dragons RFC to win the CS2 Welsh Esports Premier title in 2025. [16] [17]
Esports Wales also maintains a system of full and affiliate membership for clubs, covering grassroots groups, university teams, and those linked to traditional sports organisations. [8] A full list of member clubs is published on its official website. [15]
Esports Wales manages the national teams that represent Wales in international competition. The country made its debut at the Commonwealth Esports Championships in Birmingham in 2022, where players competed in Rocket League and eFootball. Backed by Creative Wales, the appearance was described as a milestone for Welsh esports. [10] [13]
In 2023 the organisation joined the European Esports Federation as a full member, giving Wales direct representation in continental governance and tournaments. [18] That same year, Welsh squads competed at the European Games Esports Championships in Katowice in Rocket League and eFootball. [11]
In 2024 the organisation supported Wales’ first national team in the Hado European Championships, an augmented reality sport combining physical play with digital overlays. It has also experimented with hybrid “phygital” events, including Welsh Masters tournaments that mix esports with live physical activities. [19]
Esports Wales is structured as a not-for-profit governing body, with leadership provided by a CEO, executive board, and advisory committees covering competition integrity, safeguarding, and education. [20] [2]
The organisation relies heavily on volunteers, with coaches, analysts, and event staff involved in daily operations. While this has supported growth, it has also highlighted challenges in long-term capacity and professionalisation.
Commercial partnerships provide additional resources. Acer UK has acted as a recurring sponsor, supplying equipment and promotional backing at events. [21] [22]
The independence of Esports Wales mirrors the model seen in other Welsh federations, which operate separately from UK-wide bodies such as the FA or RFU. [23]
Media coverage has come from both mainstream and specialist outlets. BBC Wales has reported on Esports Wales’ role as a governing body, while Nation.Cymru has highlighted political support and membership of European federations. [1] [3]
Trade publications such as Esports Insider, Esports News UK, and GamesIndustry.biz have reported on areas including league structures, sponsorships, and grant funding. [12] [24] Coverage has also noted the balance between opportunities from international participation and ongoing reliance on volunteers.