Sunderland Gaming and Esports Arena chosen as destination for inaugural International Defence Esports Games

Darragh Harbinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 21/11/2025

Sunderland has been announced as the host city for the inaugural International Defence Esports Games (IDEG), a first-of-its-kind gaming and esports tournament for military personnel.

The first IDEG26 finals will take place at the British Esports Federation’s state-of-the-art National Gaming and Esports Arena in Sunderland from October 9-11 2026, with the Ministry of Defence having appointed British Esports to deliver this tournament through UK Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC).

What is the International Defence Esports Games?

The top eight countries in each of the four game titles (after online qualifying) will compete over the weekend, in titles including Call of Duty and VelociDrone.

Senior military representatives from more than 40 countries came together today to celebrate the launch of the inaugural International Defence Esports Games, joined by leading voices and commentators from the world of esports and serious gaming.

Today’s launch was supported by BAE Systems, Babcock International, and the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), serving as official media partner, bringing comprehensive coverage to personnel across allied nations. For IDEG26, global advertising agency M&S Saatchi join as a founding partner and Babcock International as the founding mission partner.

Following the UK Ministry of Defence officially recognising esports as a military sport in 2024, IDEG aims to create a collaborative arena for allied nations to sharpen the cyber skills that are critical for modern warfare – supporting the government’s Plan for Change to strengthen national security.

Esports supports the development of STEM and digital skills, as well as other transferable skills linked to careers not only in esports and video games, but also in a variety of other digital and tech industries. These include cyber security, events, social media, marketing, broadcasting, content creation and more.

British Esports will be providing expert advice, guidance and support to create an innovative and exciting esports event format which will challenge players competitively as individuals and teams with virtual events and matches taking place across the globe.

Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People, said:

“The Strategic Defence Review has shown us clearly that the nature of war is changing, and we must change with it. The Government’s Plan for Change demands forces ready for digital battlegrounds, where our personnel must be as skilled in cybersecurity and with controllers as they are in traditional combat.
Lessons from Ukraine have shown how gaming technology can train drone operators and develop the rapid decision-making skills essential for modern warfare. The International Defence Esports Games (IDEG) positions Britain at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring our armed forces are prepared for the conflicts of tomorrow.”

Cllr Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said:

“We’re delighted that Sunderland will play host to the inaugural International Defence Esports Games at the brand new national Esports Area. Our relationship with British Esports is well established and we’re proud to be working closely with them to support further investment in the city and bring internationally significant events to the North East. I’m sure this will be the first of many to come, cementing Sunderland as a leading location for esports.”

British Esports President, Chester King, added:

“The launch of the IDEG is a historic occasion for British Esports and military personnel worldwide. We are honoured to host the inaugural finals at our National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland, which will showcase our world-class facilities and the city and region’s emerging status as a digital innovation cluster. With international interest already coming from cities in the USA and Australia to host IDEG27, we are focused on making this first event a phenomenal success.”

Entries will open in January 2026, with online qualifying heats giving military esports teams the chance to reach the live finals in October.

Why are the armed forces interested in Esports?

The announcement is part of a longstanding interest of the Ministry of Defence, which is seeking to develop critical cyber skills by utilising esports.

Cyber skills relevant for military operations include drone piloting, familiarity with AI, and cybersecurity, which the MoD is seeking to develop by using esports as an analogue.

Senior officials have also expressed appreciation for the pro-social elements of esports, as well as gaming as a relaxing leisure activity.

The British Army previously partnered with British Esports to launch an esports facility on the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier.

Darragh Harbinson, Senior Editor

Darragh Harbinson is an esports writer specialising in Counter-Strike. He has written for Esports News UK, Esports Insider, UKCSGO, Dexerto, and Rush B Media.

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