MOD hopes new esports tournament will boost UK's warfighting capabilities
A new esports tournament has been announced by the Ministry of Defence as part of plans to boost the warfighting readiness of the Armed Forces.
The MOD has appointed the British Esports Federation to deliver the International Defence Esports Games through UK Strategic Command, which will soon become Cyber and Specialist Operations Command.
Focusing on AI and drone operation, the very first IDEG finals will be held in the UK in late 2026.
The MOD says the tournament will help the military develop skills in cyber, digital and other areas at the cutting edge of defence AI and technology, which supports the Government's Plan for Change.
It also aims to incorporate lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict, where esports have been seen to successfully train drone operators and cyber security operatives.
While initially open to service personnel only, the event will grow to include cadets, veterans, civil servants and anyone working in the defence industry.
Defence suppliers, including BAE Systems and a number of smaller military technology firms, are supporting the event.
Veterans Minister Al Carns said: "Esports will help attract, develop and retain top cyber and digital talent, while fostering this Government's Plan for Change.
"Our people must now be as adept with code, cybersecurity and a games controller as they are with traditional combat skills.
"From drone operations to data analysis, modern defence and deterrence needs agile minds that can navigate both physical and digital battlegrounds.
"The International Defence Esports Games is an exciting initiative that will help foster exactly these skills in a fun, collaborative way, and overcome many traditional boundaries between our international partners."
Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command, said: "Esports and serious games can contribute to our warfighting readiness.
"As competition and conflict increasingly play out in cyberspace and the digital arena, these games equip our people to think, operate and innovate across both the physical and virtual worlds, developing team coordination and rapid decision-making under pressure.
"We've learned from our Ukrainian partners about how esports can train drone operators and cyber security specialists.
"People are quickly grasping how esports can change perspectives and enhance skills, as well as reaching across borders with our international allies and partners.
"For centuries we've used ball games like rugby and football to develop teamwork, hone mental and physical fitness and build resilience. Esports perfectly complement these games in preparing us for 21st-century security challenges."
You can also check out the BFBS esports community on our Discord Server – an online community for defence gamers and their families, where you can find details on a tournament for the Armed Forces community run by BFBS Pro League, by clicking here.
Qualifiers are happening now, and it will culminate in a live final in September.
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