Two top esports personalities visited 10 Downing Street this week in a first for UK esports.
ESL UK managing director James Dean and Team Dignitas general manager Michael “Odee” O’Dell were invited to the reception, where Prime Minister Theresa May gave a brief talk on the strength of the UK creative industries.
The event brought together a host of key people from across the creative industries, in sectors such as film, television, theatre and more.
James Dean, ESL UK managing director, told Esports News UK: “It was fantastic to be invited.
“I’m extremely happy that our contribution to esports in the UK is finally being recognised and the opportunity can be presented for the entire industry.”
Team Dignitas general manager Michael “Odee” O’Dell added: “It was really cool to actually be invited somewhere like that.
“I didn’t think think I’d ever end up there through esports, but I was, so there you go. Hopefully bigger things come from it.”
I am ready to move in pic.twitter.com/sbDnYOLZjY
— Michael O’Dell (@dignitasODEE) May 8, 2018
Prime Minister Theresa May also announced a new £3m fund available to not-for-profit creative projects in the North of England.
She said: “The value of culture and creativity lies not only in its economic strength. Just as important is the less tangible contribution that it makes to our national life.
“The work you do brings joy to millions. It fosters unity, gives us a common currency. It helps to define and build our sense of national character.
“‘Without culture… society is but a jungle’. Your work is a vital part of our national life and our national economy, and I am absolutely committed to supporting it.”
Had an excellent time at a @10DowningStreet reception for the UK’s world leading #CreativeIndustries. A brilliant speech by @theresa_may thanking the sector for all it does. I was pleased to speak to @Neil_Hatton, @j1mco, @MichaelDugher, and @PinewoodStudios among many others.
— Margot James (@margot_james_mp) May 8, 2018
Odee previously said that 2018 is the start of something special for esports in the UK.
“You’re going to see some real fast development at what’s going on at all levels, from top-level esports down to government and local authority level,” he said.
You can view a video snippet from the event at 10 Downing Street here:
“Every day our creative industries are flying the flag for Britain on the global stage.” – PM @Theresa_May pic.twitter.com/i9Aa5ZXBU2
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) May 9, 2018
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
