Partners back IDEG26

The International Defence Esports Games (IDEG) 2026, an esports event for Armed Forces athletes, is supported by the British Esports Federation and the UK Ministry of Defence (which announced its partnership with IDEG last year). Founding partners are Babcock International, BAE Systems, Bizzell, Dell Technologies, DXC, Lockheed Martin, M&C Saatchi World Services and Sunderland City Council. Hear from them all below and read about the IDEG26 winners and activities here.

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Joel Lavery, VP of Strategic Partnerships at British Esports, said: “It was a privilege to work alongside so many amazing corporate partners and thought leaders to deliver the inaugural IDEG 26.

“Not only did we experience some brilliant esports action in the amazing new British Arena, we were able to use the convening power of esports to bring people together and have some great discussions about how we can leverage esports and IDEG for the future.

“What an incredible week and partners are already planning bigger and better in 2027.”

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Babcock International

Mission Partner

Babcock plays a critical role in international defence. Operating globally, it sets its sights across generations, approaching everything with a broad perspective. Forging close and committed partnerships with its defence and civil customers to deliver vital engineering that creates their big picture. Piece by piece.

Amz Rashid, MD of Babcock International, said: “We’re really proud to have been announced as a founding mission partner for IDEG. 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.”

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BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

Digital Partner

Andrea Thompson, Group Managing Director at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be the Digital Partner of the IDEG 2026. Esports is an exciting and powerful platform – not only as a recruitment tool to engage the next generation of digital talent, but also as a unique way to bring industry and the military closer together. By meeting people where they are – digitally, competitively, and collaboratively – we can inspire new thinking, forge meaningful partnerships, and help shape the future of Defence.”

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Bizzell

Energetics and Manufacturing Partner

A veteran-owned small business providing mission-critical intelligence, operational training, logistics, contingency operations and munitions manufacturing to the Department of Defense, federal agencies, governments and private-sector clients.

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Dell Technologies

Technology Partner

A global technology company helping organisations build secure-by-design workplaces, resilient infrastructure, data foundations and AI capabilities, while delivering world-class gaming experiences through its Alienware brand.

Dell Technologies also had a stand at IDEG26, presenting its offerings to visitors.

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DXC Technology

Enterprise and Innovations Partner

A leading enterprise technology and innovation partner delivering software, services, and solutions to global enterprises and public sector organizations – helping them harness AI to drive outcomes at a time of exponential change with speed.

DXC had a sim racing area at IDEG26 as visitors raced to set the fastest lap times.

Rich Pratley, Managing Director Defence, UKI, DXC Technology, said: “Defence is changing rapidly, and technology is at the heart of that change. At DXC, our role is to help defence and the aerospace industry adapt, keeping critical systems and people ready for what comes next. That means looking beyond traditional defence technology and staying curious about innovation wherever it is happening.”

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Lockheed Martin

Strategic Partner

Lockheed Martin is a global defence technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Its all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those it serves always stay ahead of ready.

Emlyn Taylor, Chief of Operations, Lockheed Martin UK, said: “The inaugural International Defence E-Games felt like the start of something special. Bringing together teams from across allied militaries in this way created a unique environment to learn, collaborate, compete and build relationships. The enthusiasm, professionalism, and sense of purpose throughout the event were inspiring. I suspect many of us will remember IDEG26 not simply as an event we attended, but as the moment a new defence community began to take shape. Lockheed Martin UK is really proud to have been there from the start.”

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M&C Saatchi World Services

Communications Partner

M&C Saatchi World Services is a strategic communications agency working with governments and organisations to address complex challenges in defence, diplomacy and security.

Hussein Khalil, Senior Account Director, Corporate Affairs at M&C Saatchi World Services (pictured below), also delivered the trophies to the winners on stage at IDEG26.

Jay Singh-Sohal OBE VR, M&C Saatchi World Services Armed Forces Champion, said: “Esports is about more than gaming as it brings the potential to develop teamwork, critical thinking and adaptability across all demographics, whilst connecting Defence and its partners with the next generation of talent and the capabilities that we increasingly depend upon. So I’m proud to see M&C Saatchi World Services support and enable the International Defence Esports Games and British Esports Federation.

“As global strategic communications leaders, we understand the importance of connecting people, and utilising technology and innovation to address evolving security challenges.”

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Sunderland City Council

City Partner

Sunderland City Council is the local authority for Sunderland, supporting the city’s residents and communities and its continued economic regeneration.

The leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Chris Eynon, said: “Sunderland City Council is a smart city. We are really big on data. But we are also very proud of our armed forces. It’s not widely known, but Sunderland hosts the largest remembrance in the country outside of London right here. That passion is coupled with the energised data and technological fronts that we’re really pushing for here in Sunderland. And esports is the perfect project that we are happy to get behind.”

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British Esports Federation

Founding Partner

Established in 2016, British Esports is the national body for esports in the UK. It is the recognised member of the Global Esports Federation for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and founding member of the International Olympic Committee Esports and Gaming Liaison Group.

From nationwide amateur grassroots competition to cutting edge esports curriculum and national representation on the global stage, British Esports is dedicated to increasing levels of esports awareness, improving esports standards, and inspiring future esports talent.

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For more info and to register interest in IDEG27 visit www.ideg.gg