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The UK Armed Forces esports community is preparing for its biggest BFBS Pro League event yet. On 27 September, eight teams will compete in Rocket League at the RAF Museum London after months of online qualifying.
The league has grown quickly. Its first season attracted more than 700 players, and this year it expanded beyond Rocket League to include F1 25 and League of Legends. The competition brings together people from across the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and reservists.
There has also been another milestone for military esports this September. RAF cyber professional Stelios Elia became the first person in UK military esports to receive High Performing Athlete status. The status recognises people competing, coaching or officiating above UK Armed Forces level, including at professional or international level.
Sunday’s final will have an unusual setting. The Rocket League competition is taking place among real military aircraft at the RAF Museum. Visitors can follow the action in the museum’s theatre and try gaming, simulators and augmented-reality esports activities. Museum admission and the public activities are free, although the main competition area itself is reserved for invited guests and accredited media.
With a bigger league, a major London final and new recognition for its players and coaches, military esports is becoming increasingly organised. This weekend gives the wider public a chance to see a side of the Armed Forces sporting community that many people may not even know exists.
Could events like this help esports gain an even bigger place alongside traditional sports?
