Esports Global takes over UK university esports with acquisition of NSE

Michael Hassall Published November 6, 2025

UK university-level (collegiate) esports is getting a boost as Esports Global has acquires National Student Esports (NSE) from the Benchmark Group. With the acquisition, Esports Global has been and appointed by British Esports Federation to run the UK’s leading university esports platform.

The acquisition was announced today (Nov. 6) by release. The move unites UK and European student gaming under one banner, creating a new hub for competition, education, and opportunity in the rapidly growing world of esports.

Esports Global boosts UK university esports through NSE acquisition

Since its launch in 2017, NSE has pioneered university gaming and esports in the UK. Backed by BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport), it built the British University Esports Championship (BUEC) which now features over 17,800 players, 2,200 teams, and 117 universities participating each academic year. NSE’s Discord community reportedly reaches more than 180,000 student gamers nationwide.

British Esports, founded in 2016, brings its own success from its series of Student Champs events for schools and colleges, alongside its accredited Esports BTEC and Leadership Programme, which is based at the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland.

“All NSE’s tournaments, community events, and development programmes will continue as normal,” confirmed Esports Global CEO Dave Martin.

“By combining NSE’s reach with British Esports’ expertise, we’re building the strongest grassroots ecosystem in UK esports history.”

NSE Managing Director Alex Coulson added:

“British Esports is a perfect partner. This alliance unlocks new opportunities for students and a stronger, more sustainable future for university esports.”

The acquisition follows the launch of the Esports Global Fund LP, a $50 million initiative backed by Kuwait’s Alshaya group to invest in the global gaming industry. British Esports has been criticized in the past for its association with the Saudi Arabian Esports Federation.

As the BUEC Winter 2025 and Student Champs 2025/26 seasons kick off, the future of UK student esports has a new, and possibly better-funded future ahead.

Featured Image Credit: British Esports