British Esports Takes Centre Stage at Bett UK 2025: A Glimpse into the Future of Learning

British Esports, the UK’s national esports federation is once again set to head up the esports showcase at Bett UK 2025, from 22nd January 2025, at ExCeL London.

Bett UK is not just a milestone on the education calendar but a critical touchpoint for esports enthusiasts, educators and industry stakeholders to explore how esports is shaping the future of learning. 

With a rapidly growing ecosystem and initiatives designed to engage and develop the next generation of talent, British Esports is on the front lines of grassroots esports and how this integrates into educational settings.

This article will explore what visitors to the Esports @ Bett theatre can look forward to, offering a glimpse into how British Esports is leveraging this global stage to showcase its current initiatives.

We’ll dive into the ongoing projects within British Esports and highlight the synergy between these efforts and the overarching theme of the Bett Show, empowering education through technology.

What to Expect from British Esports at BETT UK 2025: Highlights, Insights, and Hands-on Experiences

Bett UK is the world’s largest EdTech show, and the British Esports Federation has become an integral part of its esports programme, having spearheaded Esports @ Bett for the last four years.

This year’s Esports @ Bett theatre promises a lineup that combines live esports competitions, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive activities, all aimed at demonstrating how esports can enhance student learning, career development, teamwork and more.

Live Esports Showdowns: Student Teams Compete for Glory and Skill Development

One of the main highlights of Esports @ Bett is the live esports tournaments that feature some of the very best student esports talent from across the UK.  

This year is no exception with daily competitions featuring Rocket League and other popular esports titles.  

Visitors will be able to witness the skill, strategy, communication and teamwork that goes into creating winning esports teams, mirroring the dynamics found in traditional sports.

Students will be representing some of the country’s leading colleges including St Vincent College, King Edward VI,  Loughborough College and more.

These live events showcase how esports promotes leadership, strategic thinking, problem solving and digital literacy, all essential skills for students to develop as part of their continued education.

Expert Panels on Esports and Education: Transforming Classrooms with Cutting-edge Concepts

Esports @ Bett will host a series of thought-provoking panel discussions featuring industry professionals, educators and technology experts.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore critical topics like student safety in esports, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and the integration of esports into school curriculums.

One key panel, Esports, Security, and Student Safety, will address the concerns many schools face when introducing esports, particularly the challenges around safeguarding students from harmful content, online harassment, and ensuring age-appropriate gameplay.

Another highlight will be AI and Gamification: Transforming Learning Experiences in Developing Countries, where Dr. Sonia Saleem will discuss how AI and gamified learning are enhancing education in underserved regions, improving engagement and accessibility for students.

For those looking to establish esports programmes, the Navigating the Esports Landscape panel, featuring college IT leaders, will offer insights on how institutions can successfully implement esports while overcoming challenges.

British Esports, alongside a panel of leading experts, will explore how generative AI is transforming the technology and esports landscape with Generative AI: Shaping the Future of Esports and Technology .

From personalised coaching and game design to content creation and live audience engagement, this cutting-edge technology is revolutionising how games are experienced by players and spectators.

Panellists, including Dave Martin (SVP, British Esports Federation) and Henry Platten (AI Lead), will discuss how generative AI is automating content generation, enhancing player performance and customising live viewing experiences.

In the panel, Gaming Your Way into a Future Career, industry experts will challenge common misconceptions about esports, revealing its potential as a credible career pathway for students.

Far from being solely about playing games, esports equips students with essential skills in STEM, event management and technical production.

The discussion will highlight how esports fosters critical abilities like teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving, preparing students for high-demand roles in technology, media, and more.

Moderated by Gary Tibbett, Head of Partnerships at British Esports, this session will show how esports can be integrated into school curricula to help students develop hands-on competencies for future careers.

These panels aim to provide educators and students with practical strategies to transform learning environments and align esports with career and academic development.

For the full list of events taking place, check out the Esports @ Bett agenda.

Interactive Chats: Unveiling the Power of Esports in Education and Career Pathways

In addition to the panels, Bett UK visitors can participate in fireside chats that offer a deeper dive into esports as a powerful educational tool.

British Esports will curate sessions focused on the practical application of esports in schools, providing teachers with tools to engage students through game-based learning and gamification.

Discussions on Gamification and Game-based Learning: Transforming Education for the Digital Age, moderated by Andy Miah, will demonstrate how integrating these innovative strategies can increase student motivation, enhance collaboration, and improve critical thinking skills.

Exploring the challenges and triumphs colleges face when integrating esports into their educational framework, Navigating the Esports Landscape: Insights and Strategies from College IT Leaders will feature key insights from IT leaders who have pioneered esports programmes in higher education institutions.

The panel, moderated by John McCardle from Dell Technologies, will cover real-world experiences, highlighting both the successes and obstacles these colleges have encountered, and will offer practical advice and strategies for educators looking to start or grow their esports initiatives.

With the rapid expansion of esports, the discussion will provide valuable lessons on creating sustainable programmes, navigating technical challenges and enhancing student engagement through esports initiatives.

The session will be an invaluable resource for educators and industry professionals looking to deepen their understanding and implementation of esports in education.

All the sessions at Bett UK 2025 will provide valuable insights into how esports can be seamlessly integrated into education and career pathways, empowering students to develop essential skills and prepare for the future.

British Esports: A Year of Milestones and How It Shapes Our BETT Presence

While Bett UK 2025 will showcase esports as an educational tool, British Esports has been working year-round to continue its mission to promote, improve and inspire.

Here’s a look at some of the major initiatives currently underway from our National Esports Performance Campus, to our cutting edge curriculum and amateur grassroots esports tournaments;

The National Esports Performance Campus: The Hub of UK Esports Education and Development

First announced in 2023, the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland, is a 45,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility, designed to nurture esports talent and provide a dedicated space for education and research in esports. 

The NEPC includes three Grade 2 listed, fully restored residential properties, classrooms and esports performance rooms.

In 2025, a new 15,000-square-foot esports arena will open, featuring a 17x3M digital screen and HD broadcast capabilities, creating a global hub for esports events.

Key initiatives from the NEPC include supporting Digital Health Hubs by securing initial grants and providing esports training for youth workers. The hubs promote digital and social growth across five locations and have been recognised for their community impact.

British Esports has also capitalised on Sunderland’s 5G connectivity, driving innovation at the NEPC and Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light. This high-speed infrastructure supports seamless esports events, gaming, and spectator experiences.

Additionally, the Esports Accelerator & Business Cluster, in partnership with Sunderland Software City, offers local businesses training and support, contributing to Sunderland’s digital economy.

The NEPC also integrates esports into community programmes, bridging digital divides through initiatives like the Digital Health Hubs and collaborations with local youth projects.

These programmes help underrepresented groups gain valuable skills and career opportunities in esports, contributing to both personal and community development.

Looking forward, British Esports will continue to expand its influence by opening the esports arena and further integrating esports into education and community development, particularly through partnerships with local schools and training providers.

At Bett Uk 2025, British Esports will highlight the success of National Esports Performance Campus, illustrating how such a facility can serve as a blueprint for integrating esports into schools, colleges, and universities across the country.

The campus also doubles as a resource for professional teams and aspiring esports athletes, offering access to top-tier training environments and bootcamp facilities.

Growth of the British Esports Student Champs

As the UK’s leading amateur grassroots esports tournament for students aged 12+ at schools and colleges throughout the UK, the British Esports Student Champs will also be a key focal point at the Esports @ Bett theatre once again.

As the most successful grassroots esports competition for young students in the country, the British Esports Student Champs has a strong focus on nurturing the next generation of esports talent.

Regularly attracting over 200 schools and colleges, over 700 teams and more than 6,000 students annually, teams compete in leading esports titles, including Overwatch 2, VALORANT, Rocket League, League of Legends, Street Fighter 6, Apex Legends, and EAFC.

Not just a competition, the Student Champs are a gateway for students to develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience, skills that are valuable both in and out of the gaming world.

Visitors to the Esports @ Bett theatre will get a chance to meet some of the competitors and learn more about how British Esports is working with educators to implement esports programmes in schools that help students balance both their academic and competitive aspirations.

For more information on how your school or college can get involved, please visit the British Esports Student Champs.

Esports and Education United: How British Esports is Pioneering New Learning Pathways

In early 2024, British Esports announced an exciting new partnership with the Leadership Skills Foundation, unveiling the Esports Leadership Programme, an innovative initiative offering the first esports leadership qualifications for students aged 11 and above.

The Level 1 and Level 2 Leadership Skills qualifications are designed to develop key leadership abilities through esports, providing young people with the opportunity to cultivate important soft skills such as communication, teamwork and strategic thinking in a gaming context.

Initially launched in partnership with Trailblazer centres such as Port Vale Football Club Foundation, MidKent College, and Dearne Valley College , these qualifications are being adopted by schools, colleges and community groups across the UK.

These pioneering programmes allow students to secure industry recognised certifications, laying the foundation for future careers in the rapidly growing esports industry.

Beyond these introductory courses, British Esports continues to support the development of esports education with Pearson’s BTEC qualifications in esports, aimed at students aged 16 and above.

With a focus on providing practical, real-world skills, the BTEC qualification covers everything from event management to content creation, offering a comprehensive pathway for students looking to enter the esports sector.

For those pursuing higher education, British Esports works with Pearson Higher Nationals and the College of Esports to offer degrees in esports.

These courses provide students with a deeper understanding of the business, marketing and the technical skills needed in the competitive world of esports.

Together, these initiatives form a cohesive learning pathway, from school to university, helping to nurture the next generation of esports professionals and leaders.

For more information, please visit British Esports Education.

Join Us at BETT 2025: Explore, Learn, and Take Part in the Future of Education

British Esports is excited to bring its innovative vision to Bett UK 2025, where education and esports collide.

Attendees can expect to explore how esports can be used as a powerful tool to enhance learning, promote digital literacy, and develop important transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and strategic thinking.

With interactive demonstrations, live showcases and insights from leading esports educators, visitors will gain valuable knowledge on how to integrate esports into their classrooms and engage students in new, exciting ways.

As part of our ongoing commitment to growing grassroots esports and supporting young talent, British Esports will also provide information on our educational initiatives, including the Esports BTEC, Student Champs and more.

Whether you’re an educator looking to enhance student engagement, a school wanting to participate in esports programmes, or simply curious about the next steps that you can take to develop your digital skills strategy through an esports curriculum offer, make sure to visit the British Esports Federation at Bett UK 2025 for everything you need to get started on your esports in education journey.