British Esports Student Champs 24-25 Winter Recap: What’s Happened So Far and What’s Next!

Since kicking off in early September, the British Esports Student Champs Winter season has delivered thrilling moments, intense competition and exciting emerging talent from schools and colleges across the UK. 

As the dust settles on this first phase of the academic year’s competition, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Spring season, with sign-ups officially open for new teams looking to continue join the action for the first time. 

In this Student Champs 24-45 Winter Recap, we take a look at the season’s standout moments, and breakdown everything you need to know about jumping into the Spring season.

Student Champs 24-45 Winter Season Recap: Highlights and Standout Moments

The Winter season has been one to remember, with schools and colleges across the country competing fiercely in popular esports games such as Rocket League, League of Legends, Overwatch 2, VALORANT, EAFC25, Apex Legends and Streetfighter 6.

From nail-biting last-second goals in Rocket League to expertly coordinated team fights in League of Legends, the level of competition continues to rise year on year, and this season has been no exception.

Student Champs 24-25 Winter Season: Nationals

In the Student Champs 24-25 Winter season (Nationals), the year kicked off with Swiss tournaments throughout the Winter period. 

Teams were competing over 5 weeks to determine who would advance into the Playoff stage, and who would have to battle it out in the all new Last Chance Qualifier stages.

Nationals, North Division (VALORANT)

In the Nationals North Division, the top teams competing in VALORANT have now qualified from the Winter swiss stage into the Playoffs, while the remaining teams battle it out across a 3 stage Last Chance Qualifier to determine who will take the remaining slots in the Playoff series. 

Newcomer this season:  N/A

Returning team this season: Confetti Arrows Valorant A (Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies)

Notable Achievement: GCS Owls NatVal (Gower College Swansea) – Remaining undefeated throughout the swiss stage.

Other teams also competing include: GCS Owls NatVal (Gower College Swansea), NSCG Combined Val (Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group), AGSB Val 1 (Altrincham Grammar School for Boys), Sunderland Seers – Val (Sunderland College), Q-Esports A (Queen Ethelburgas Collegiate), NCP Pirates VAL (New College Pontefract), Hopwood Hawks VN (Hopwood Hall College and University Centre), Confetti Arrows Valorant A (Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies), Burnley Esports Elite VAL (Burnley College), SWC – eSports (South West College), Gy Galaxy Val (National) (The Grimsby Institute), DVCM Valorant (Dearne Valley College), CCSW Sandstorm Black (Cheshire College South and West), Loughborough College Lycans (Loughborough College), York Vikings (York College & University Centre), CAVC Celts Val 1 (Cardiff and Vale College), Derby Diamonds – VAL NAT (Derby College), Leamington Spartans (Warwickshire College), Tydfil Tytans Aura (Merthyr Tydfil College), WNC Whirlwinds (Vision West Nottinghamshire College), BSDC Swans (Burton and South Derbyshire College), Tameside Titans (Tameside College) and Preston College Esports (Preston College)

For a full list of fixtures and results, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Nationals, South Division (Valorant)

In the Nationals South Division, the top VALORANT teams have now qualified from the Winter swiss stage to reach the Playoffs, while the remaining teams battle it out across a 3 stage Last Chance Qualifier, to determine who will take the remaining slots in the Playoff series. 

Newcomer this season: KC Valorant A

Returning team this season: DLD Dragons – Valorant (DLD College London)

Notable Achievement: CONEL Cyphers (Capital City College) Valorant – Incredibly did not give away more than 7 rounds in a match throughout the swiss stage. 

Other teams also competing include: CONEL Cyphers Valorant (Capital City College), CCP Lighthouse (City College Plymouth), Titan.eXe (Exeter College), Weston Waveriders Valorant (Weston College), ACES SAINTS (Access Creative College Bristol), QMS Oni 鬼 (Queen Marys College), Salisbury Spitfires V (Salisbury Sixth Form College), DLD Dragons – Valorant (DLD College London), Reading Ravens VAL (Reading College), SGS FirstShot (SGS College), Resilience MidKent [VAL-N-ME] (MidKent College), KC Valorant A (STCG Kingston College), Cornwall College Krakens (The Cornwall College Group) and Banbury Barbarians Val Team (Banbury and Bicester College).

For a full list of fixtures and results, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Nationals, North Division (Overwatch 2)

In Nationals North Division, the top Overwatch 2 teams have now qualified from the Winter swiss stage to reach the Playoffs, while the remaining teams battle it out across a 3 stage Last Chance Qualifier to determine who will take the remaining slots in the Playoff series. 

Newcomer this season: DVCM – Overwatch 2 National (Dearne Valley College)

Returning team this season: QMS Ashura 修羅 (Queen Marys College)

Notable Achievement: Antares.eXe (Exeter College) – Completed an undefeated run throughout the entire Winter swiss stage.

Other teams also competing include: GCS OWLS NatOW (Gower College Swansea), Confetti Arrows Overwatch (Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies), DVCM – Overwatch 2 National  (Dearne Valley College), Gy Galaxy OW (National) (The Grimsby Institute), WNC Warriors (Vision West Nottinghamshire College), NSCG Combined OW (Newcastle NSCG), Burnley Esports Elite OW2 (Burnley College), SWC – eSports (Sandwell College) and CSGG Primals (Coleg Sir Gar).

For a full list of fixtures and results, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Nationals, South Division (Overwatch 2)

In Nationals South Division, the top Overwatch 2 teams have now qualified from the Winter swiss stage to reach the Playoffs, while the remaining teams battle it out across a 3 stage Last Chance Qualifier to determine who will take the remaining slots in the Playoff series.

Newcomer this season: 

Returning team this season: 

Notable Achievement: 

Other teams also competing include: Antares.eXe (Exeter College), GlitterForce(Godalming College), HSDC OWN (HSDC South Downs), QMS Ashura 修羅 (Queen Marys College), Blackhorse Knights OW_Nat (Big Creative Training), Oxford Outlaws (City of Oxford College), SGS FirstShot (SGS College), MKCCryptic (Milton Keynes College), Reading Ravens OW (Reading College)

For a full list of fixtures and results, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Nationals, North Division (Rocket League)

In Nationals North Division, the top Rocket League teams have now qualified from Winter swiss stage to reach the Playoffs, while the remaining teams battle it out across a 3 stage Last Chance Qualifier to determine who will take the remaining slots in the Playoff series. 

Newcomer this season: Calderdale Halcyons 

Returning team this season: Sunderland Seers – RL

Notable Achievement: GCS Owls NatRL – Who dropped only 2 games out of the 27 total games completed.

Other teams also competing include: GCS Owls NatRL (Gower College Swansea), Sunderland Seers – RL (SunderlandCollege), York Vikings (York College & University Centre), NSCG Combined RL (Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group), Loughborough College Lycans (Loughborough College), SWC – eSports (Sandwell College), Confetti Arrows Rocket League (Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies), Hopwood Hawks RLN (Hopwood Hall College and University Centre), CCSW Sandstorm (Cheshire College South and West), NCL Vikings (Newcastle College), SCG_Gladiators_RL (Shrewsbury Colleges Group), NCP Pirates RL (New College Pontefract), CAVC Celts RL 1 (Cardiff and Vale College), BSDC Swans (Burton and South Derbyshire College), Burnley Esports Elite RL (Burnley College), Calderdale Halcyons (Calderdale College), BC Titans RL A (Bolton College), Leamington Spartans (Warwickshire College), Tameside Titans (Tameside College), and Preston College Esports (Preston College)

For a full list of fixtures and results, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Nationals, South Division (Rocket League)

In Nationals South Division, the top Rocket League teams have now qualified from the Winter swiss stage to reach the Playoffs, while the remaining teams battle it out across a 3 stage Last Chance Qualifier to determine who will take the remaining slots in the Playoff series. 

Newcomer this season: Ibstock Stentors (Ibstock Place School)

Returning team this season: Resilience MidKent [RL-N-ME] (MidKent College)

Notable Achievement: SGS FirstShot (SGS College) – Remained undefeated throughout the entire Winter swiss stage.

Other teams also competing include: SGS FirstShot (SGS College), Ariel.eXe (Exeter College), Cornwall College Krakens (The Cornwall College Group), CapriSun (Cranmore School), QMS Suzaku 朱雀 (Queen Marys College), Guildford Gladiators (Guildford College), Reading Ravens RL (Reading College), CRC Inferno RL A (Cambridge Regional College), MKCCryptic (Milton Keynes College), CONEL Cyphers RL (Capital City College), Resilience MidKent [RL-N-ME] (MidKent College), Ibstock Stentors (Ibstock Place School), BSC Bears RL_N 24/25 (Barnet and Southgate College), CCP Lighthouse (City College Plymouth), LIL Esport (Lycee International de Londres), DLD Dragons – Rocket League (DLD College London), Oxford Outlaws (City of Oxford College), Bexhill Warriors Rocket League (Bexhill College), and KC Rocket League A (STCG Kingston College)

For a full list of fixtures and results, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Nationals, (League Of Legends)

In League of Legends, teams have been put into a round robin format across North and South combined due to lower number of teams. This Round Robin will conclude in Spring where they will progress with seeding into an Elimination Bracket. 

Newcomer this season: Croydon Prime

Returning team this season: WNC Warlocks

Notable Achievement: CONEL Cyphers LoL – Undefeated so far in the Round Robin

Other teams also competing include: CONEL Cyphers LoL (Capital City College, DLD Dragons – LoL (DLD College London), Croydon Prime (Croydon College), CAVC Celts LoL 1 (Cardiff and Vale College), The Dunstonians (St Dunstan College), Burnley Esports Elite LoL (Burnley College), NSCG Combined LoL (Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group), Resilience MidKent [LOL-N-ME] (MidKent College), Banbury Barbarians LOL Team (Banbury and Bicester College) and WNC Warlocks (Vision West Nottinghamshire College)

For a full list of fixtures and results, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Student Champs 24-25 Winter Season: Open

The Student Champs 24-25 Winter Season Open has seen a large number of teams competing in a Swiss format to determine who is worthy to fight it out in their respective North and South Division 1 in Spring 2025. 

With all remaining and new joining teams in Winter battling it out in the gauntlet of Division 2, it is all to play for come the Spring season later this year.

Open (Valorant)

The Open Valorant tournament, see’s teams compete in a large swiss format for seeding and a chance for promotion to their regional Division 1, heading into the Spring season. 

Newcomer this season: Iford Iron-Oaks (Tregonwell Academy)

Returning team this season: F6th Crows (The Sixth Form College Farnborough)

Notable Achievement: LCCQH Riptide & NSE Washed & SDC Christie – All undefeated so far in the tournament. 

For a full list of fixtures and results, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Open (Rocket League)

The Open Rocket League tournament comprises a large swiss format where teams compete for seeding and a chance for promotion to their regional Division 1 heading into the Spring season. 

Newcomer this season: WBS Reapers

Returning team this season: West Suffolk Wolves (West Suffolk College)

Notable Achievement: F6th Jaegers (The Sixth Form College Farnborough) – Lost only 2 games out of a total 24 they have played throughout the Winter swiss. 

For a full list of competitors, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Open (Overwatch 2)

The Open (Overwatch 2) tournament comprises a large swiss format where teams compete for seeding and a chance for promotion to their regional Division 1 heading into the spring season. 

Newcomer this season: SigmaDPS (Varndean College)

Returning team this season: Europa.eXe & Phobos.eXe (Exeter College)

Notable Achievement: BSA Griffins OW Gold & Weston Waveriders OW both showing as dominant forces remaining undefeated throughout the winter swiss. 

For a full list of competitors, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Open (League of Legends)

Comprising fewer teams than other competitions, these teams face off in a round robin format.

Newcomer this season: KC League of Legends A & B

Returning team this season: Bury Raptors

Notable Achievement: BSA Griffins LOL & AGSB LOL 1 are both top of their group throughout winter. Both holding 7-0 standing at the moment. 

For a full list of competitors, please visit the Official Tournament Platform.

Student Champs 24-25 Winter Season: Cups

Apex Legends

Apex Legends has seen massive success this winter, with an increased capacity of 60 teams.

EAFC25

EAFC25 is new to the British Esports Student Champs this year and has seen great engagement with plenty of passionate teams competing.

Streetfighter 6

Finally, continuing this year with StreetFighter 6 that continues to be a staple of the community and a tournament that always promises great competition between those competing.

Key Performances in Student Champs 24-45 Winter Season

Several schools and colleges have emerged as standout contenders throughout the Student Champs 24-25 Winter season. 

Teams such as GCS Owls NatRL (Gower College Swansea), CONEL Cyphers Valorant (Capital City College) and SGS FirstShot (SGS College) set the bar extremely high with their performances, showing incredible teamwork, individual skill, and resilience under pressure. 

Whether it was their tactical prowess or moments of pure flair, these teams kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

Streamed by College of Esports (for students, from students) – highlighting some of the national steamed game, with a brief description of why that game/team.

Valorant: Reading vs Cornwall – A lot on the line as both teams battle it out in one of our first Last Chance Qualifier rounds to secure passage to the next stage and hopefully stay in the competition. 

Rocket League: York College – Watch York college prove why they have earned them self a top 3 finish in the swiss stage vs Hopwood.

Overwatch 2: HSDC (Havent South Downs College) – HSDC come out swinging in round 2, securing a dominant victory showing high level of skill and understanding, outclassing their opponent. 

League of Legends: Conel Cypher (Capital City College) – Conel proving they are still continuing their dominance from last year being one of the tournament’s favourites. 

Apex Final week 1 of 2 – Really high skill ceiling games as the best teams from the 6 groups come together and battle it out in the battle royale gauntlet.

Showcasing the depth of talent in the UK’s student esports scene. The Winter season has proven to be a good starting battle for the teams competing. Keep an eye out for those facing off in the Last Chance Qualifier stage in early spring to gain a spot in the Playoff stage later down the line. All all to play for across all tournaments.

Stats from Winter Season

The British Esports Student Champs 24-25 Winter season saw over 250 schools and over 2,000 students taking part.

Over the 6 weeks, there were a total of 2,100 matches.

This incredible turnout demonstrates the growing enthusiasm for esports within UK education.

With multiple matches broadcast on British Esports Twitch, fan engagement was also at an all-time high. 

Thousands tuned in to support their favorite schools and teams, showcasing the vibrant community that surrounds the British Esports Student Champs.

Spring Sign-Ups: Your Chance to Compete

As we wrap up the Winter season, attention turns to the next phase of the competition: the Spring season, which is now open for sign-ups. 

The Spring season is a fresh opportunity for schools and colleges to make their mark on the tournament and, most importantly, to secure a place in the open and cups and online finals.

Teams can sign up to join Open Division 2 for the following game titles: Overwatch2, VALORANT, Rocket League and League of Legends.

There are also spaces available in Streetfighter 6 which will be a first come first serve basis and 2 new Women in Esports Valorant and Overwatch 2 cups depending on interest.

Finally another exhilarating cup of Apex Legends capped at 60 teams.

How to Sign Up

Offering young gamers in further education the chance to develop their skills and compete against their peers in various esports titles, the student champs feature over 200 schools and colleges and over 6,000 players from across the country. 

Culminating in a live on stage final in front of enthusiastic crowds, the leading schools and colleges esports tournament is the definitive solution for taking your first steps into competitive esports.

Schools and colleges can register their teams on the official tournament platform at https://champs.britishesports.org and the deadline for registrations is Wednesday 15th January 2025. 

Whether you’re returning for another shot at glory or jumping in for the first time, now is the time to gather your squad, train hard, and get ready for action.

The Road to the Finals: What’s at Stake

For those wondering what the ultimate goal is, look no further than the British Esports Student Champs Finals. 

Teams that excel in the Spring season Nationals will secure their spot in the Live Grand Finals, where they’ll compete in front of a live audience and a global Twitch viewership for the Student Champs title.

The Student Champs Nationals feature Live On Stage Finals (*Spaces unavailable this spring)

The Student Champs Open feature Live Streamed Finals (*Division 2 spaces available this spring)

The Student Champs Cups feature Live Streamed Finals (*Apex Legends and EAFC25 spaces available this spring)

Prizes and Recognition

In addition to the prestigious title of Student Champs winners, teams will be competing for recognition and the opportunity to showcase their skills on a national platform. 

Other prizes include a variety of Trophies, Commemorative Coins and Winners Jerseys *subject to each specific tournament

Winning the Student Champs is a significant achievement for any school, helping players not only develop their in-game skills but also gain recognition within the wider esports community.

Esports’ Educational Impact: A Growing Movement

The British Esports Student Champs are about more than just winning; they’re about the educational value of esports. 

Students who participate develop critical skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, skills that extend far beyond the virtual world.

As esports grows within the UK’s education system, more schools and colleges are recognising its value in promoting both personal and academic development. 

Through tournaments like the Student Champs, British Esports is committed to fostering this growth and ensuring that esports remains a positive and impactful experience for young people.

Get Involved: Join the Spring Season

To sign up and register your team for the Student Champs Spring season, visit the Student Champs Tournament Platform and register before 15th January 2025 deadline to be in with a chance of competing.

The Winter season has set the stage for an epic showdown this Spring, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of one of the UK’s largest amateur grassroots esports tournaments for schools and colleges.