Tom Dore, a global leader in esports and education, and currently serves as the Vice President of British Esports, having joined the Federation in 2017. 

Concurrently, he also holds the position of Vice Chair at the Global Esports Federation, highlighting his global influence in shaping esports throughout education. 

Tom’s journey in education has spanned nearly two decades, encompassing roles such as Teacher of Science and Academic Tutor at King Edward’s School and significant leadership positions, including Director of Maths and Science and later Assistant Principal at John Madejski Academy.

Internationally recognised as a leader in esports education, Tom has spearheaded the development of both competitive and academic esports programmes, not only in the UK but also on a global scale. 

Through his support, the British Esports Student Champs, the largest amateur esports competition for schools and colleges in the UK, now features in excess of 700 school and FE college teams competing online each week. 

Additionally, in collaboration with Pearson, a global learning company, Tom played a pivotal role in creating groundbreaking vocational esports qualifications, known as the BTEC in Esports, the first of their kind worldwide. These UK Government approved qualifications for 16 to 18 year olds have garnered over 9,500 student registrations since their launch.

Tom’s dedication to advancing esports education extends beyond the UK. He authored the inaugural Microsoft Esports Teacher Academy, presenting it to 2,500 teachers across 115 countries, demonstrating his commitment to globalising esports education. 

As a Vice President of the British Esports Federation and Vice Chair of the Education, Culture, Youth (ECY) Commission of the Global Esports Federation, Tom’s responsibilities span various areas, including Education, International Relations, Research & Innovation, Strategy & Development, Policy & Standards, Stakeholder Engagement, Relationship Management, Safeguarding, Coaching, and Special Projects.

Drawing inspiration from traditional sports, Tom is also at the forefront of establishing global standards for safeguarding in esports, coupled with a recognised framework for esports coaching.

“Esports goes beyond gaming.  It’s a powerful tool to motivate and engage. Beyond the screen, it imparts essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem solving and supports the development of digital and STEM skills. In the world of competitive gaming, we discover a distinctive avenue to nurture collaboration and develop strategic minds. Esports isn’t just a game; it’s an educational frontier, providing a dynamic platform for learning, innovation, and preparing students for the challenges of the future.”

His rich background in secondary education, encompassing diverse roles in state, independent, and alternative provision schools, uniquely positions Tom as a visionary leader bridging the worlds of academia and esports. 

Tom Dore’s multifaceted contributions continue to shape the landscape of esports education globally, setting new standards and paving the way for future generations in the industry.