National body Esports Wales say they’re thrilled to announce that Wales’ first ever Hado team has qualified for the Hado Euro Championship.
‘This marks a significant milestone in Welsh esports history, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess in the rapidly evolving landscape of competitive augmented reality sports’, Esports Wales said in a press release. ‘The team’s success is a testament to their hard work, strategic innovation, and the support of the Welsh esports community.’
Hado is an AR (augmented reality) sport, combining physical activity with digital gameplay. Players use headsets and armbands to launch virtual energy balls and shields.
The newly formed Welsh Hado team have secured their place at the European Championships, along with England and Scotland teams.
UK Hado managing director Jim Sephton told Esports News UK that England are currently the defending European champions, and are ranked number two in the world, behind Japan.
The Scottish team are the reigning Scottish champions and also the current UK university Champions, as the team competes in both national and university leagues.
The full list of qualified teams are England, Wales, Scotland, Turkey, France, Greece, Spain and the Netherlands.
“This is a momentous achievement for Esports Wales and the entire Welsh esports scene,” said John Jackson, CEO of Esports Wales.
“Our Hado team’s qualification for the European Championships not only highlights the skill and dedication of our players but also puts Wales on the map as a rising force in this exciting new sport. We couldn’t be prouder of what they have accomplished.”
John Jackson, Esports Wales
The European Championships, set to take place at Warwick University in England on September 14th 2024 will bring together the best Hado teams from across the continent.
Audience entry is from 10.30am, pool stage matches start at 11am and knockout rounds begin at 2.30pm. Tickets to the Hado Euro Cup 2024 can be found here.
The Welsh team will be competing against top-tier opponents, representing the culmination of months of rigorous training and preparation.
“As Wales’ first-ever Hado team prepares to take on the European elite, they carry with them the hopes and pride of a nation. Esports Wales encourages fans and supporters to rally behind the team as they embark on this historic journey,” Esports Wales added in a press release.
For more information about Esports Wales, the Welsh Hado team, and their journey to the European Championships, you can visit EsportsWales.org or follow on social media:
The news comes a few months after Esports Wales announced a partnership with Ygam to help protect young people from gaming and gambling harms.
Update: Hado England Announces CSix Clothing as New Team Sponsor and Partner for the 2024 Hado Euros
September 3rd 2024: Hado England has announced CSix Clothing as new team sponsor and partner for the 2024 Hado Euros.
CSix is the official clothing partner for the 2024 Hado European Championship (Euros).
Hado England, the reigning European Champions, have also announced a partnership with CSix Clothing as the official team sponsor.
Jim Sephton, CEO of UK Hado, said: “CSix Clothing is the perfect partner for Hado England. Their commitment to innovation and performance aligns perfectly with our goals as a team. We are proud to wear their brand, and we believe this partnership will help us achieve new heights in the sport.
“We’re also excited to welcome them as a partner for the 2024 Hado Euros and look forward to building a lasting partnership that will continue to drive the growth of Hado.”
There’s more info on Hado on the www.ukhado.com website.
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.
