Deloitte sponsors RAF Esports Association

Deloitte has signed a sponsorship agreement with the Royal Air Force Esports Association, the RAF Central Fund confirmed. Neither organisation disclosed the financial terms or the length of the deal.

The sponsorship will support the RAF’s official competitive gaming programme, which operates under the Royal Air Force Video Gaming & Esports Association (RAF VGEA). The RAF Central Fund confirmed the support will build on existing investment in esports facilities across the service.

The fund previously helped establish dedicated LAN rooms and gaming arenas at RAF Cosford, RAF Odiham and RAF Boulmer. Those spaces are equipped with high-performance PCs and consoles and are used for competitive training and as community hubs for serving personnel.

Deloitte described esports as a platform for developing leadership and strategic thinking relevant to military activity and the firm’s own professional work. The company stated the partnership will focus on innovation and talent development and aims to strengthen links between industry and the RAF while recognising the growing importance of digital skills for operational readiness.

Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson, president of the RAF Esports Association, welcomed Deloitte’s involvement and stated the partnership will support the continued growth of RAF Esports and create new opportunities for service members as the organisation prepares for future digital challenges.

RAF Esports is treated as an official military sport and competes in national and international events. The association runs training programmes and matches under the VGEA structure and provides a pathway for personnel interested in competitive gaming and related skills.

Deloitte has previously partnered with esports organisations in Europe, including work around the Brawl Stars World Championship with HMBLE in Italy, a strategic alliance between Deloitte Gaming and Good Game Group in Spain, and collaboration with ESL Benelux for the ESL Dutch Championship finals.

Neither Deloitte nor the RAF Central Fund provided further details on which activities the sponsorship will fund, such as staffing, events, equipment upgrades or educational programmes.