We have partnered with The British Esports Association, the not-for-profit organisation established to promote and support grassroots esports, to create the world’s first qualification of its kind for a career in esports.

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The new BTEC International qualifications in Esports are skills-focused and are a major step forward in supporting the creation of long-term careers in the growing esports industry both in the UK and internationally. The esports industry is projected to generate revenues of $1.1 billion in 2020, a year-on-year growth of 16%, with the total esports audience set to rise 11.7% to 495 million individuals.

View our BTEC International Level 3 in Esports specification

Read our press release

What is Esports?

Esports is organised, competitive, human-versus-human video-gaming where people play against each other online and at live spectator events.

Esports is played by both amateurs and professionals and is open to all, regardless of gender, physical or mental ability.

Esports can be played on PCs, consoles and mobiles. Depending on the game, the format can be 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 6v6 and so on. At the top level, leading global teams and players can earn significant sums in wages and prize-money each year.

Esports can be team-based and is always played against another person or people, therefore it is more social and more beneficial than the stereotypical perceptions of solo video-gaming.

In the UK it is classified as a game not a sport, but it is different in different countries. In some other countries around the world, where ’mind’ games are classified differently, esports is recognised as a sport.
esports

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How will Esports help my learners?

Esports is already massively popular with young people. As such, the esports industry is being driven by a demographic of under-35s and their increasing engagement with, and immersion in, the digital world.

Esports is an exciting, team-based activity that engages a wider demographic of young people than traditional team activities such as sport, music, art or drama – including, but not limited to, those who are not ‘into’ these activities.

When done in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle, esports is also a beneficial alternative to watching passive media, like TV, or using social media. It has explicit links to computing education, STEAM subjects and the development of business and enterprise skills, digital skills, cyber skills and digital literacy. It also promotes character development in the same way that traditional team-based activities do.

Participating in Esports

  • promotes leadership skills and teamwork 
  • boosts social and communication skills 
  • develops problem solving, decision-making and multitasking abilities 
  • improves cyber, digital and other transferable skills 
  • develops friendships and communities 
  • improves reaction times, dexterity and concentration 
  • increases perceptual and cognitive skills 
  • improves resilience through winning and losing 
  • can act as a motivator to improve attendance and behaviour

Careers in Esports

As the industry continues to grow around the world, more jobs and career pathways are being created in esports, creating a demand for people with specific skills.

Here is a snapshot of some of the different roles within the industry:
  • Coach – including fitness trainers, nutritionists, psychologists
  • PR/Marketing executive
  • Sales/partnerships manager
  • Business management
  • Production crew
  • Shoutcaster / host
  • Journalist/content creator
  • Product Manager
  • Admin/Referee
  • Community/Social Media Manager
  • Event Manager
  • Professional esports player
The British Esports Association

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In partnership with the British Esports Association

The British Esports Association is a not-for-profit organisation, established in 2016 to support and promote esports in the UK.

As a national body, its aims are to foster future British talent, increase the awareness of esports and provide expertise and advice. It’s focused on grassroots (amateur) esports.

British Esports helps educate the masses – including parents, teachers, media and government – around what esports is and what its benefits are. It runs the British Esports Championships for schools and colleges and other similar projects with young people. The Association is a member of Ukie, the Sport and Recreation Alliance the Welsh Sports Association, the European Esports Federation and the Global Esports Federation.

Its three goals are to Promote, Improve and Inspire:

  • Promote esports internationally and increase its level of awareness
  • Improve the standard of esports internationally
  • Inspire future talent 

The Founder and CEO of the British Esports Association, Chester King, is also a Vice President of the Global Esports Federation and chairs their Education, Culture and Wellness Commission. He also sits on the International Olympic Committee’s Esports and Gaming Liaison Group.

Visit the British Esports Association website