Over the past year, Diplomat magazine has been highlighting the rising influence transformative potential of esports. Their breakfast meeting in October 2025 put the economic, military and Olympic benefits of esports on the table.  On a rather more salutary note, on Friday 21 November, senior diplomats, defence representatives, and military attachés from more than 40 nations gathered at Chartered Accountants’ Hall in the City of London for the official launch of the International Defence Esports Games (IDEG). And this May, once again Defence Attachés gathered at the offices of M+C Saatchi Worldwide Services to hear Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB, CBE who served as the Deputy Commander, Strategic Command, speak on how esports and IDEG supports defence readiness, national resilience and soft power projection in modern warfare. 

Here in the United Kingdom, the United States and South Korea, schools are forming teams, creating dedicated gaming spaces and even offering scholarships for talented players. What was once seen as a distraction is now being reframed as an opportunity to connect with pupils in a meaningful way.

The British Esports Federation, founded in 2016 by Chester King, to give a focus to esports in the UK (and beyond), has partnered with Pearson, the Education Publishers  to create a BTEC qualification in esports, which since its inception in 2020 is now offered as part of the curriculum by nearly 200 schools and studied by nearly 20,000 students in the UK alone.  Schools in Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, Dubai, Indonesia and India also run the course.

Some schools are even integrating esports into the wider curriculum, using it as a gateway to subjects such as computer science, media studies and business.

For others there is an opportunity to use esports as a tool for reengagement in the classroom.A pilot run within Sunderland schools – in association with the British Esports Federation – is trialling the use of esports to increase attendance in the classroom for primary and secondary students.

This shift is driven in part by the realisation that esports can motivate pupils who may not be engaged by traditional extracurricular activities. For some, joining an esports team provides a sense of belonging and purpose that they might not find elsewhere in school life, for reference British Esports together with National Student Esports run competitions for more than 25,000 students in over 300 educational establishments every week.  However, contrary to common stereotypes, educators and employers are becoming increasingly aware of how esports can foster a wide range of valuable skills:

• Teamwork and communication: Many Esports titles require players to work together, strategise and communicate effectively under pressure.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Players must analyse situations quickly, adapt strategies and make decisions in real time.
• Digital literacy: Participation in Esports often involves understanding technology, software and online platforms.
• Time management and discipline: Balancing practice, competitions and academic responsibilities teaches pupils how to manage their time effectively.

The world of work is changing at an incredible pace, and the esports industry offers a wide range of career opportunities for roles that did not exist even 10 years ago and way beyond professional gaming. Pupils involved in school esports programmes can explore roles such as:

• Game design and development
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber Security
• Broadcasting and content creation
• Event management
• Marketing and sponsorship
• Data analysis and coaching

By introducing pupils to these pathways early, schools can help prepare them for careers in a rapidly expanding digital economy. Rather than viewing esports as a distraction, educators can harness its popularity for positive outcomes. By doing so, schools can better align with the interests of today’s pupils and prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow’s world.

As technology continues to shape the way we learn and interact, esports is likely to become an increasingly important part of education. When implemented thoughtfully, it can enhance pupil engagement, build essential skills and open doors to new opportunities.

Inevitably the provision of esports in schools is not without controversy.  Concerns raised by critics stress the need to think about:

• Screen time: Excessive gaming can contribute to health issues such as eye strain, poor posture and reduced physical activity.
• Online safety: Pupils may be exposed to toxic behaviour or inappropriate content in online gaming environments.

School Leaders are all too aware of the need to implement clear guidelines, promote healthy habits and ensure that esports complements rather than replaces traditional physical activities and increasingly these safeguarding measures will form a large part of the school’s ICT and Safeguarding policies.

Without doubt esports in schools represents more than just playing games—it is about learning, collaboration and innovation. With the right approach, it has the potential to transform education and redefine what it means to be a student in the digital age.