The future of esports performance in the UK just took a major leap forward. British Esports and Loughborough University have officially joined forces in a landmark partnership designed to raise professional standards, expand esports education, and accelerate high-performance development across the United Kingdom.
The collaboration brings together the UK’s national esports federation and the world’s top-ranked university for sports-related subjects, positioning the country at the forefront of global esports performance, research, and professional training.
A Landmark Partnership for Esports Performance in the UK
British Esports, the national body for esports in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Loughborough University. The agreement formalizes a shared commitment to advancing esports performance in the UK through research, education, and elite development frameworks.
By combining British Esports’ national infrastructure and competitive ecosystem with Loughborough’s globally respected sports science expertise, the partnership aims to strengthen every layer of the esports ecosystem — from grassroots to elite competition.
This strategic move reinforces the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in esports education, safeguarding, and high-performance programmes.
Raising Professional Standards Across the Esports Ecosystem
A core focus of the British Esports and Loughborough University partnership is enhancing professional standards across all stages of competitive gaming.
The collaboration will:
- Support leadership development and best practices at national and international levels
- Help inform esports policy and build sustainable competitive frameworks
- Develop structured talent pathways from grassroots to elite performance
- Expand coach education and safeguarding standards
- Create advanced education and training programmes for esports professionals
- Support the development and operation of dedicated esports facilities
Importantly, this initiative extends beyond player performance. It also focuses on professional development for coaches, performance staff, managers, and industry leaders — ensuring esports performance in the UK is supported by world-class expertise behind the scenes.
Loughborough University Expands Esports Infrastructure
As part of the partnership, Loughborough University is expanding its esports capabilities with the launch of a new Esports Gaming Lab featuring 40 high-spec gaming machines.
The facility will be integrated into the university’s DigiLabs development and will serve multiple purposes:
- Teaching and academic instruction
- Research in esports performance and sports technology
- Skills development and talent incubation
- Industry engagement and collaboration
Loughborough has long been recognised as the UK’s hub for high-performance sport. In 2024 alone, it supported athletes and coaches in securing 35 medals at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. As 44-year consecutive BUCS champions, the university has a proven track record of elite performance systems — expertise now being applied to esports performance in the UK.
Strengthening the National Esports Performance Campus
The partnership also amplifies the impact of British Esports’ National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland, including its upcoming arena development and extensive national education network across schools, colleges, and universities.
British Esports has been instrumental in:
- Building nationwide grassroots competitions
- Delivering esports curriculum frameworks
- Representing the UK internationally
- Establishing safeguarding and professional development standards
By integrating Loughborough’s research excellence with British Esports’ infrastructure, the collaboration ensures esports performance in the UK continues to evolve with scientific backing and structured athlete development models.
Leadership Statements
Professor Jo Maher, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“This collaboration reflects Loughborough’s ambition to play a leading role in the future of esports, building on our global reputation for excellence in sport, education and research. By working closely with British Esports, we can help shape high-quality pathways, professional standards and inclusive opportunities across the esports ecosystem.”
Chester King, President of British Esports, added:
“We’re delighted to be working with Loughborough University. This partnership further strengthens the UK’s position as a global leader in esports education, safeguarding and talent development. Together, we can raise professional standards and foster high-performance talent pathways that support players, coaches and performance staff.”
Why This Partnership Matters for UK Esports
Esports continues to grow rapidly worldwide, but long-term sustainability depends on professional governance, safeguarding, structured education, and performance science.
This partnership signals a major shift in how competitive gaming is supported at a national level. By aligning esports performance in the UK with proven high-performance sports models, British Esports and Loughborough University are creating a framework that mirrors Olympic-level preparation — adapted for the digital arena.
With world-leading research, elite infrastructure, and national federation oversight working together, the UK is positioning itself as a benchmark for esports development globally.
About British Esports
Established in 2016, British Esports is the national body for esports in the UK. It is the recognised member of the Global Esports Federation for Great Britain and Northern Ireland and a founding member of the International Olympic Committee’s Esports and Gaming Liaison Group.
The organisation focuses on grassroots competition, education initiatives, safeguarding, and international representation.
About Loughborough University
Loughborough University is internationally recognised for excellence in sport, research, and education. It has been ranked the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the QS World University Rankings for multiple consecutive years.
The university has also maintained a top-ten position in the Complete University Guide 2026 and continues to lead in sports science, sport psychology, sports technology, and performance research.
The Future of Esports Performance in the UK
With this collaboration now official as of February 2026, the groundwork has been laid for a new era of esports performance in the UK. From safeguarding frameworks to high-performance research labs, the initiative reflects a long-term vision for professionalising competitive gaming at every level.
For players, coaches, educators, and the broader esports industry, this partnership represents more than a formal agreement — it marks a strategic commitment to excellence.
For more information, visit www.britishesports.org.
