Global tournament organizer BLAST has joined forces with the UK’s national sporting association for esports, British Esports, to strengthen the country’s esports development program.
In a press release on its website, British Esports says they have joined forces to “drive the growth and development of the UK ecosystem.”
“With the UK holding an 6% share of the global esports market and the global sector expected to reach $1.6 billion by the end of this year, this partnership aims to capitalise on this momentum and foster further growth,” British Esports said in its website.
BLAST CEO Robbie Douek said, “This partnership with British Esports is a pivotal step in our mission to support the esports ecosystem in the UK. By focusing on key pillars together, we aim to create a sustainable and inclusive environment that encourages growth and professional development at every level. This year alone, the world’s biggest game publishers are choosing the UK as a destination for their esports ecosystems and arena events, helping position the region as a global hub for esports and big-scale events. This partnership with British Esports will allow us bridge the gap between tier one arena events and grassroots esports.”
For his part, British Esports CEO Chester King said about the partnership: “2024 is a landmark year for esports in the UK as we host some of the most iconic global esports events.This is an incredible opportunity to leave a legacy from grassroots to professional that promotes the UK as a leading global destination for esports. That is why we were thrilled when Robbie and the team at BLAST visited our National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland earlier this month to finalise our partnership. This collaboration between two leading British esports organisations will not only help to solidify the UK as a leading hub for esports but also ensure that we are nurturing the next generation of talent and providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
British Esports said in the same website that the collaboration will focus on political lobbying, grassroots development, education, careers, and professional development at the heels of major esports events being held in the UK this year, such as the BLAST Premier Spring Final and the RLCS London Major, as well as previous events such as ESL One Birmingham for Dota 2 and the Red Bull InstaLock women’s VALORANT LAN tournament.
