British Esports, Varkey Group Launch School Esports Circuit

British Esports and Varkey Group launched EGAMES DUBAI27 on Nov. 3, 2026. The open-entry school esports circuit will hold national qualifiers before an international final in Dubai in April 2027.

Schools funded or run by governments, along with independent schools, can enter from countries worldwide. National esports federations will organise the qualifying tournaments. Winning teams will advance to the final at the GEMS School of Research & Innovation in Dubai.

The initial group of 13 national governing bodies includes the British Esports Federation, Saudi Esports Federation, Emirates Esports Federation, Brazilian Games and Esports Confederation, Association of Electronic Sports and Video Games of Argentina and New Zealand Esports Federation. Organisations from Ghana, Nigeria, Ireland, Jordan, Thailand, Türkiye and Zimbabwe are also taking part.

Students will compete during the 2026-27 academic year in EA FC 27, Rocket League and a Minecraft building tournament. Participating schools may receive facilities hardware, educational scholarships and institutional access to the Esports Nations Cup in 2027.

GEMS Education is the primary partner and will host the international final. The Dubai event will run alongside an Education Summit covering digital skills, artificial intelligence in education, coaching and safeguarding.

The organisers have linked the programme to youth development goals set out by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, including skills in teamwork, digital media and related careers. The Dubai venue also connects the circuit with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, the Dubai Gaming Committee under the Dubai Media Council and the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033.

Chester King, president of the British Esports Federation and a GEMS esports ambassador, described the circuit as an international extension of domestic programmes such as the UK’s Student Champs. Varkey Group Chairman Sunny Varkey presented it as a platform for young digital talent and for the use of esports in education.

The national governing bodies will manage qualifying events in their respective countries. The successful school teams will meet in Dubai for the final in April 2027.

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