UK Defence Gaming & Esports Teams
Since 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recognised the growing prevalence of video gaming as a core hobby for personnel in all 3 services.
Each of the Services started Esports Associations in 2019 and early 2020. Their rapid growth engaged more than 3% of the Armed Forces regular personnel before the first COVID lockdown.
In February 2024, after continued growth and international competitive success, the MoD categorised 4 games as sports including Call-of-Duty, Formula 1 Racing, League of Legends and Rocket League.
The Royal Air Force won CODE Bowl VI in September 2025 playing against the Army, Navy and 7 Service teams from the US and Canada; UK Services have played since CODE BOWL II.
For Serving UK personnel, links to Services discords can be found via MoD IT systems. Discord links are also available to verified members of UK Veterans Gaming. The UK Armed Forces esports are regularly broadcast via Twitch:
Royal Navy Esports Twitch Channel
British Army Esports Twitch Channel
Royal Air Force Esports Twitch Channel
The UK Veterans Gaming community includes Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Cadet Forces are also looking at Esports for leadership development
UK Defence Gaming Leagues
UK Veterans Gaming is participating in Defence leagues for Rocket League, League of Legends. iRacing and Call of Duty
UK Defence Masters League
UK Defence Masters League features League of Legends and Call of Duty and may expand to include Rocket League in 2026. Access can be gained through the 3 UK Armed Forces Esports discords or through UK Veterans Discord
BFBS Pro League
The grand final of the inaugural BFBS Pro League featured the top 8 Rocket League Teams from 1000 players who started. UVG is looking forward to competing again in 2026.
Armed Forces Virtual Race Challenge
The RAF Motorsports Association is overseeing the Armed Forces Virtual Race Challenge which runs online using iRacing. Find out more at the RAF Motorsports Association website.
UK Gaming & Esports
The British Esports Federation has supported military esports since its first inception in 2019. UK Veterans Gaming maintains good links with the British Esports Federation and recommends the free Duty to Care in Esports course for anyone looking to start organising gaming and esports communities.
The Enclave Lan series in Milton Keynes is a highlight of the live event calendar for UVG. UVG will be attending Enclave 2 and Enclave 3 in 2026
International Veterans
Veteran Gaming Australia. Founded in 2021, Veteran Gaming Australia's mission is to develop a community around a shared love of gaming and geek cultures for Veterans & their families. UK Veterans Gaming is looking forward to gaming with VGA as we increase the size of our community.
Regiment is America's largest military gaming community and is another Imperium Hosting Partner.
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