5 highlights and video recap from the IDEG launch event: Military leaders gather to celebrate new esports tournament

Senior military representatives from more than 40 countries gathered in London recently for the launch of the International Defence Esports Games (IDEG), joining several others from British Esports and the Ministry of Defence. Here’s a recap of what happened, with photos by Koty King.

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1. Leaders discuss the future of esports in the military

The launch of IDEG signals another step forward in the growing military esports space. The UK Armed Forces have been forming esports teams and competing at events in recent years, including Insomnia Gaming Festival.

Last year, the UK Ministry of Defence officially recognised esports as a military sport in 2024, and this summer the Ministry of Defence recently appointed British Esports to deliver the IDEG tournament through the UK’s Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC). As well as providing military personnel with a recreational activity that boosts wellbeing and team building, IDEG also aims to create a collaborative arena for allied nations to sharpen the cyber skills that are critical for modern warfare – supporting the government’s Plan for Change to strengthen national security.

The IDEG launch event in London featured several panels, including ‘Serious games: The benefits to the Armed Forces’, with speakers such as Iain McNeil of Slitherine & Matrix Pro Sims, Ben Chapman of BFBS, Helen Helliwell of Invictus Games and Captain Rachel Humphrey and Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes of CSOC.

“We’ve heard on the panels today just how relevant digital skills are, how teamwork, decision- making under pressure and all these things can be part of esports and serious games.”
Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes of CSOC

Host Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne led proceedings, and there was also a special video address from Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People.

“It’s heartening to know that numerous nations are represented today to learn how we can work together to build more fighting readiness,” she said.

‘Esports: the future of recruitment, skills and training’ was the second panel, with speakers Kalam Neale of British Esports, Brigadier Andrew Griffiths OBE of Armed Forces Recruiting, Oli Waghorn of BAE Systems, Fergus Hay of The Hacking Games and Amz Rashid of Babcock International Group.

The last panel discussion of the day looked at ‘where to start with esports and IDEG 2026’, with British Esports President Chester King, Dr Melita Moore of the Global Esports Federation, Lee Godfrey of Activision, Robbie Douek of BLAST, Flt Lt Stephen Rennie of RAF Esports, and Darren Pilkington of Fnatic, who spoke about elite esports and the training that his players such as British personality Boaster go through.

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2. Sunderland gaming and esports arena to host first IDEG finals in 2026

During the launch event, it was announced that Sunderland will act as the host city for the inaugural International Defence Esports Games (IDEG), the gaming and esports tournament for military personnel.

The first IDEG26 finals will take place at the British Esports Federation’s state-of-the-art National Gaming and Esports Arena in Sunderland from October 9th to 11th 2026.

After a series of online qualifying rounds, the top eight countries will compete over the weekend in a range of titles.

Cllr Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re delighted that Sunderland will play host to the inaugural International Defence Esports Games at the brand new national Esports Area. Our relationship with British Esports is well established and we’re proud to be working closely with them to support further investment in the city and bring internationally significant events to the North East. I’m sure this will be the first of many to come, cementing Sunderland as a leading location for esports.”

Several news outlets have since covered the news, including national press and esports publications.

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3. Rocket League showmatch sees the RAF take on the Navy

In the afternoon, a Rocket League showmatch took place on stage, showcasing a live esports match between the RAF and the Royal Navy.

Players competed using high-end Alienware PCs as the two teams of three went head-to-head.

And casters talked through the action to add commentary and analysis, as the RAF beat the Navy 2-1.

AS1 Weber of RAF Esports told British Esports: “I think this event is awesome – seeing all the nations come together is really something. To walk into the main hall and see everyone was overwhelming, it was great.”

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4. Partners back new International Defence Esports Games

The launch was supported by BAE Systems, Babcock International, and the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) serving as official media partner, bringing comprehensive coverage to personnel across allied nations. For IDEG26, global advertising agency M&C Saatchi join as a founding partner and Babcock International as the founding mission partner.

BFBS CEO Ben Chapman told British Esports: “Today has been fantastic. We are one community of people bringing the defense community together. We want to be able to plug into IDEG and build the community in the UK so that it’s successful around the world. That’s why we’re media partner today – because we believe in great collaboration. It’s a big opportunity for everybody to get involved in.”

Amz Rashid, MD of Babcock International, added: “We’re really proud to have been announced as a founding mission partner for IDEG and the games in 2026. I believe that gaming can play a vital role in developing the skills both in digital and cyber and to meet the needs and indeed the mission for defence at large. We need access to the widest and most diverse talent pool I believe that it can play a really great role in bringing those two things together.”

Rosie Broadest, Senior External Communications Manager at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, commented: “It’s been so positive seeing a lot of senior military leaders here embracing esports. Digital talent is something that’s really hard to to find these days and tapping into esports is just such an obvious way [to do so]. Some of the cyber experts that we have in our team said that if they weren’t involved with coding and esports from an early age, they wouldn’t have gone into their roles that they’re in now – I think more people should know about that. It’s growing so fast and if you don’t jump on it quickly, then you’re just going to get left behind.”

IDEG partners also supplied guests with goodie bags featuring branded merch:

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5. IDEG launch recap video & more content from bfbs

Watch this recap video for a summary of what happened on the day, plus talking heads, here:

The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) also served as official media partner at the IDEG launch event, and produced a variety of content across their socials, including interviews with military leaders and members of British Esports.

You can watch these clips featuring Capt Rachel Humphrey, Dr. Melita Moore (US Sports Physician from the Global Esports Federation) and Chester King (British Esports President here).

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For more, visit the International Defence Esports Games website at ideg.gg. We’re also looking forward to working with partners across business and military to really take IDEG to the next level – if you want to be involved, please reach out to us.