‘Esports Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Challenge’ will see students give a professional pitch to industry stakeholders, and develop key leadership and employability skills
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British Esports, the national esports federation for the United Kingdom, has today announced a partnership with WorldSkills UK to help foster the next generation of esports leaders.
The Esports Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Challenge, developed by WorldSkills UK and the British Esports Federation, will showcase the next generation of esports innovators, founders and creative thinkers.
Based on the Pearson and British Esports Level 3 BTEC National qualification in Esports, this challenge will test competitors’ ability to explore the esports industry, generate viable enterprise ideas, conduct meaningful market research, and produce a realistic business plan for a start-up within the esports ecosystem.
Competitors will demonstrate their creativity, commercial awareness and communication skills through a professional pitch to industry stakeholders.
This competition provides a unique opportunity for aspiring esports entrepreneurs to apply their knowledge in a real-world context, developing key employability skills and enhancing their readiness for future careers, vocational training, apprenticeships or higher education.
WorldSkills UK is a world-class skills network that raises standards, champions future skills and empowers young people from all backgrounds. Through its national programme of competitions, it helps employers, colleges and training providers develop and upskill young people of all abilities.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK, said: “We’re proud to partner with the British Esports Federation and look forward to previewing the competition at this year’s WorldSkills UK National Finals in November. This collaboration reflects our commitment to championing emerging industries and the capabilities they require, while supporting apprentices and learners to develop the work-ready skills needed to secure employment in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.”
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About the Esports Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Challenge: Taking part and timings
This new Esports Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Challenge is a pilot competition, with the intention of becoming a full competition in 2027.
The registration period is currently open until April 2026, with entries open via invitation only. However, interested candidates can express their interest using the link at the bottom of this press release.
The entry stage will take place between May and June, with a national qualifier taking place at the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland, alongside the British Esports Student Champs Grand Finals. This national qualifier will see competitors refine their plan and deliver a short pitch to a panel of industry professionals.
Selected finalists will then receive feedback, industry mentoring and preparation resources in the training and development phase, from August to October.
The national final will get underway in November in Wales, as part of the WorldSkills UK National Finals programme, with finalists delivering full esports business plans and professional pitches.
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Entry criteria
To enter this competition, competitors must:
- Be aged 16+ and be enrolled or have been enrolled on a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent)
- Have teacher or tutor approval to participate
- Be able to demonstrate foundational knowledge of the esports industry
- Have studied (or be currently studying) enterprise-related content—ideally the BTEC Esports Level 3 Unit: Enterprise & Entrepreneurship in Esports
- Be able to independently create written plans, conduct research and present ideas
- Work individually (not in teams) during each assessment stage
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Individuals interested in taking part can express their interest and view full entry criteria here. For further information about this challenge, competition requirements, or support materials, please contact education@britishesports.org
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Contacts
Press | British Esports | press@britishesports.orgEducation | British Esports | education@britishesports.org
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About the British Esports Federation
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 founding member of the International Olympic Committee Esports and Gaming Liaison Group. From nationwide amateur grassroots competition to cutting edge esports curriculum and national representation on the global stage, British Esports is dedicated to increasing levels of esports awareness, improving esports standards, and inspiring future esports talent.
www.britishesports.org
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About WorldSkills UK
WorldSkills UK is a world-class skills network that raises standards, champions future skills and empowers young people from all backgrounds. Through its national programme of competitions, it helps employers, colleges and training providers develop and upskill young people of all abilities.