UK to Launch First-Ever International Military Esports League in 2026

In a bold step towards modernizing military training, the UK Ministry of Defence has announced the launch of its first-ever military esports league, called the International Defence Esports Games (IDEG), set to kick off in 2026. The tournament is being developed in collaboration with the British Esports Federation and aims to tap into gaming as a tool for building digital-age defence capabilities.

Unlike traditional sports competitions, IDEG focuses on skills increasingly relevant to today’s battlefields—cybersecurity awareness, digital literacy, and even the operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The initiative draws inspiration from the Ukrainian military’s use of simulator games to train drone operators and enhance battlefield coordination.

Initially, UK service members and reservists will be eligible to participate, with plans to later expand the competition to cadets, veterans, civil servants, and defence industry personnel. The tournament will culminate in a major final event in the UK, though regional and partner-nation competitions are also expected to be part of the run-up.

“Esports will help attract, develop, and retain top cyber and digital talent, while supporting this government’s Plan for Change,” said Alistair Carns, Minister for Veterans and People at the UK Ministry of Defence. He called the initiative “an exciting opportunity to foster collaboration and overcome traditional boundaries with international partners.”

The program is backed by major defence contractors like BAE Systems, alongside smaller military tech firms, underlining the UK government’s push to integrate high-tech industries with military readiness. It also builds upon recent steps like the formal recognition of esports as a military sport in the UK and the launch of the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme, which fast-tracks recruits into cyber roles with shorter basic training.

In a symbolic nod to this shift in military culture, the Royal Navy has already set up an esports center aboard the HMS Prince of Wales, a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier. The gaming hub is equipped with high-end systems from Alienware, NVIDIA, and Intel, supporting the IDEG initiative.

UK Strategic Command, which manages the country’s joint military capabilities, will oversee the coordination of IDEG. Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander of the Strategic Command, emphasized the growing relevance of esports: “For centuries, we’ve used ball games like rugby and football to build teamwork and resilience. Esports now complements these, preparing us for 21st-century security challenges.”

The UK’s move is part of a wider global trend where gamification and digital platforms are increasingly being integrated into defense training. With warfare rapidly shifting into cyber and hybrid domains, IDEG represents a future-forward step in ensuring that armed forces are equipped not just physically, but digitally and cognitively, for the challenges ahead.