British Esports partners with esports powerhouse BLAST
19 June 2024
Esports in the UK have been getting their place in the spotlight more and more in the past few years, and part of that is thanks to the many high-profile partnerships that have popped up in the industry. The recent collaboration between the United Kingdom Armed Forces and game developer Activision is an excellent example of that, as is the cross-over between Clash of Clans and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.
One of the latest developments in this area is the promising new partnership between British Esports, the national body for esports in the UK, and BLAST, one of the most recognised esports event organisers in the world. In a year that is unprecedented in terms of important esports events taking place in the United Kingdom, the two parties have signed a strategic partnership with the goal of further developing esports in the region.
Eyes on grassroots and professional development
Even though the focus, as in so many cases, is on the development of esports in the UK at a grassroots level, BLAST wants to play a role in improving the overall professional level of esports in the region. The collaboration will therefore also focus on esports education, careers in the industry, and the development of professional esports athletes. On top of that, BLAST and British Esports will also be lobbying in local politics to ensure an optimal future for esports in the UK.
“This partnership with British Esports is a pivotal step in our mission to support the esports ecosystem in the UK”, says Robbie Douek, CEO at BLAST, “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.”
Major year for esports in the UK
The agreement with BLAST comes in the middle of a major year for esports in the UK. We have already had big events like ESL One Birmingham 2024 (Dota 2) and the BLAST Premier Spring Final 2024 (Counter-Strike), and there is still a lot more to come. These include the 2024 League of Legends World Championship Finals and the PUBG Mobile Global Championship Grand Finals 2024.
“2024 is a landmark year for esports in the UK as we host some of the most iconic global esports events”, says Chester King, CEO at British Esports, “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.”