Look Sports Media – In a landmark move set to redefine the landscape of collegiate esports, Esports Global has acquired National Student Esports (NSE) and entrusted the British Esports Federation with its operational reins. This strategic alliance forges a powerhouse poised to elevate the student esports experience across the United Kingdom and potentially influence the broader European scene.
The acquisition unites two prominent entities dedicated to fostering student tournaments and esports education. NSE, established in 2017 with the backing of British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS), has been instrumental in cultivating the UK’s university gaming community through the British University Esports Championship (BUEC). Boasting impressive figures, the 2024/25 academic year witnessed participation from over 17,800 players across 2,200 teams representing 117 universities, all vying for the coveted title of ‘Esports University of the Year.’ NSE’s Discord channel further amplifies its reach, connecting with a staggering 180,000 student gamers nationwide.
The British Esports Federation, founded in 2016, brings its own wealth of experience to the table. Renowned for its Student Champs competition catering to school and college students aged 12 and above, the federation engaged over 5,200 students from more than half of the UK’s colleges in the 2024/25 season. Beyond competition, British Esports offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including the Esports BTEC, coaching certifications, and the Esports Leadership Programme, all facilitated through its National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland.
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The merger ensures the continuation of both the British University Esports Championship and NSE’s diverse community initiatives and professional development programs. All NSE staff will transition to working in collaboration with British Esports, with British Esports VP Tom Dore providing leadership during the integration period. The overarching objective is to stimulate growth and opportunity for esports students throughout the UK, capitalizing on the burgeoning interest in competitive gaming.
This announcement follows the recent establishment of the Esports Global Fund LP, supported by the Alshaya family in Kuwait, with a target of $50 million in investments across the esports and video game sectors. The NSE acquisition represents one of two initial investments by the fund, with details of the second investment forthcoming.
Esports Global is spearheaded by industry veterans, including Chester King, Founder and President of the British Esports Federation, and Dave Martin, an expert in investments, technology, and esports. The leadership team also comprises Susanne Chisthi, founder of Fintech Circle; Dr. Melita Moore, a physician and consultant in sports and esports; and Mark ‘Garvey’ Candella, an investor and former competitive gamer with experience at Twitch, AcadArena, and Nodwin Gaming.
Dave Martin, CEO of Esports Global, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I’m so excited to announce this acquisition today, which marks a pivotal moment for student esports in the UK. By facilitating the acquisition of NSE, and combining its reach and expertise with British Esports’ infrastructure and resources, we’re creating a unified pathway from school to college to university that empowers talent and raises the bar for student esports in our region."
Nick Keller, CEO of Benchmark, added, "This deal further enhances the student esports and gaming community and is testament to the strength of NSE built under Benchmark. NSE has positively impacted tens of thousands of students’ lives, nurturing lifelong friendships and life skills. Following this acquisition, NSE has an ideal new home for its next phase of growth continuing in its mission to elevate students’ university esports experience, helping them now and in their future careers."
Alex Coulson, NSE Managing Director, remarked, "This deal is testament to the hard work of the NSE team and the strength of the university esports community and societies across the UK. British Esports is a natural partner for us, and this partnership will unlock new opportunities, deeper pathways, and a more sustainable foundation for student talent to rise."
Will Roberts, CEO of BUCS, commented, "From a BUCS perspective, the continuity and confidence that comes with aligning NSE and British Esports is invaluable. The BEF brand brings real strength to this partnership, and most importantly, is good news for students, giving them greater opportunities in an environment with duty of care at its heart."
Chester King, President of the British Esports Federation, concluded, "This partnership with NSE is a landmark moment for British Esports and for students across the UK. By combining our expertise, resources and shared vision, we can deliver an even stronger pathway for young people, from grassroots to the global stage. We look forward to working with the NSE team to achieve some brilliant things in the future."
The announcement coincides with the commencement of the British University Esports Championship Winter season and the 2025/26 British Esports Student Champs season. Stay tuned to looksports.media for continued coverage of this developing story and its impact on the future of student esports.
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