SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Amidst the Brexit chaos and the how did we get beaten by a team led by a dentist uproar, the UK’s esports community at least was given a boost as the anticipated British Esports Association officially announced its formation yesterday.
The organisation, a nonprofit for which Chester King has been named CEO, will operate out of Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.
It is a government backed and affiliated national body which the site states ‘will work in conjunction with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to help and represent players at all levels; develop a grassroots competitive video game scene that will nurture future talent; support existing professionals and provide the infrastructure to create future British global champions.’
Andy Payne, Chair of British eSports, stated: “I am an admirer of the work of other sports associations such as British Cycling, and I am very confident that if we welcome and embrace all parties in the UK eSports scene, we can deliver a range of benefits to all players, from professional to amateur in the UK over time. These are exciting times in eSports and the time is right to build this organisation from the grassroots up.”
Jules Robinson, Head of Business Development, Pinewood Studios said: “The establishment of the British eSports Association is an important initiative in furthering the credibility of the eSports industry in the UK.
“Pinewood is excited to be part of this National Governing Body for eSports and is aiming to have a new National Training Centre for eSports to help with grassroots and future British Champions.”
The organisation appears keen to work with UK esports representatives and fans across all levels, and the site states that it welcomes any thoughts, ideas or input to help grow the scene in the country.
The body will be heavily involved in the upcoming and inaugural eGames which is taking place in Rio to coincide with the Olympics in August.
