Esports

BFBS launches new-look Pro League season with more esports and historic Grand Final venue

BFBS launches bigger and bolder Pro League 2026 in a season not to be missed

BFBS has launched the highly anticipated season two of its flagship Pro League esports competition by adding more games to the lineup and announcing a world-famous venue for the Grand Final.

Hundreds of players from all corners of the British Armed Forces community participated, going for esports glory in the Pro League's breakthrough first season in 2025.

This year's competition also welcomes the games F1 25 and League of Legends, while Rocket League remains the test for players who reach the Grand Final, which will be held at the Royal Air Force Museum, London, on Sunday 27 September.

Built exclusively for the UK Armed Forces community, organisers of the BFBS Esports tournament aim to harness the worldwide phenomenon of the games to create a competitive arena in which serving personnel, MOD civil servants, reservists, members of the UK cadet forces, bereaved community and immediate family members (parents, children and siblings) can represent their defence communities as they compete on a national stage.

First-ever BFBS Pro League champions crowned in Stafford

BFBS aims to grow the league significantly in 2026, as well as providing at least four in-person gaming activations through the calendar.

Another new addition for 2026, the BFBS Open Series champions widening participation in a new community-driven tournament format.

It aims to attract more casual gamers by offering a more accessible way to get involved. As the Pro League caters to intermediate and advanced gamers, the Open Series is the platform for beginner through to intermediate esports players to take on standalone online events and have an opportunity to have their say on which games will be chosen for each tournament.

Levelling up the force: Inside the rise of military esports

Adam Waters, Director of AI Culture and Gaming, said: "Season Two of the BFBS Pro League represents a major step forward for esports within the UK Armed Forces community.

"The level of competition we saw during the first season was incredibly impressive, and this year we're expanding the league with more titles, more opportunities to compete, and even bigger ambitions for the future."

Robert Wylie, Head of BFBS Esports, added: "The Pro League is the flagship competition within BFBS Esports, and bringing it back for a second season is hugely exciting.

"As well as adding two massively popular titles, we want to make sure the esports ecosystem continues to grow, which is why we're launching the Open Series this year. It gives more players a chance to compete, gain experience, and be part of the wider defence gaming community."

Former Deputy Commander Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, Lt Gen Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, who has been championing esports across UK defence also added: "Attending last year's inaugural BFBS Pro League Finals was an exciting experience, and I am very much looking forward to this year's edition.

The BFBS Pro League is an excellent example of supporting the UK Armed Forces and wider defence enterprise via esports, which are an increasingly impactful means of developing skills, fostering teamwork, and improving strategic decision-making."

Boost Over Ball were the first champions of the BFBS Pro League after a thrilling win in the Grand Final at the University of Stafford.

The day of action was a landmark event for military gamers in one of the world's fastest-growing sports as eight Rocket League teams battled for glory.

There has been a notable swell of support and popularity for esports in the UK military, and, speaking to those who balance their service life with devotion to competitive esports, there is palpable excitement for their growth and clear backing from their chain-of-command.