NSE and ESL team up to 'strengthen the connection' between UK universities and the wider esports ecosystem
Dom Sacco, Senior Editor
Last Updated: 18/06/2025
UK university esports body National Student Esports (NSE) and tournament organiser ESL have announced a new long-term partnership.
The partnership focuses on inspiring a future generation of esports pros, ‘strengthening the connection between universities and the wider esports ecosystem’ and ‘enriching Higher Education students’ path to professional careers within the esports industry’.
“Universities have always been a hub for the next generation of talent in any emerging industry and it’s no different for esports” said NSE executive director Jon Tilbury.
“We’re excited to work with ESL in creating opportunities for students whether they aspire to be a professional player, or working behind the scenes to produce some of the world’s biggest tournaments.”
“Universities have always been a hub for the next generation of talent in any emerging industry and it’s no different for esports.”
Jon Tilbury, NSE
“Working closely together is going to be crucial for future growth of the UK esports industry. We can’t wait to share more details very soon!”
The partnership between ESL and NSE grew from a workshop spearheaded by Intel, which provided a platform to discuss the UK Government’s support of esports. The previous Minister of State for the Department of Digital Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Margot James – a supporter of esports, led the inquiry.
NSE – set up last year – runs the British University Esports Championship for uni students. ESL hosts a range of tournaments globally and in the UK, including the ESL Premiership, ESL One Birmingham and more.
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Dom Sacco, Senior Editor
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He has almost two decades of experience in journalism, and left Esports News UK in June 2025. 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 also previously worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation.
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