Military esports showcased for first time on Armed Forces Day 2022

The high-octane world of military esports is to be embraced this Armed Forces Day by welcoming a brand new live and virtual event – the first-ever electronic sports exhibition tournament. 

Produced by BFBS, the event will see five teams from local schools, colleges, cadets and the community going head-to-head on 25 June against a team from each of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force esports teams in fast-paced Rocket League matches.  

Taking place in a specially created esports arena at Scarborough Spa, the centre of this year's Armed Forces Day activity, live spectators at the exhibition tournament will have the chance to compete in the arena, as well as in a specially converted double-decker gaming bus.

And don't think we've forgotten the prizes. You could be in with a chance of winning...

• £200 Amazon voucher per person for the winning team of three
• £100 Amazon voucher per person for the second-placed team of three
• £50 Amazon voucher per person for the third-placed team of three

Lieutenant Commander Gordon Jones, Head of the Royal Navy Video Gaming and Esports Association, said: "The Royal Navy Video Gaming and Esports Association is excited to be attending this event and take the opportunity to meet the public on Armed Forces Day. 

"It's a great chance to do what we like doing, talking with like-minded people about gaming and esports and playing video games." 

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Elliott, Vice President of Army Esports, said: "As Armed Forces Day is a day to celebrate our service personnel with the country and communities we belong to, live in and serve, Army esports are so pleased to be able to send a Rocket League team to the BFBS esports event at Scarborough to challenge our cousins in the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and local civilian teams. 

"Let the games begin."

Jackie Lerm, BFBS Head of Social Media, said: "The BFBS Armed Forces Day esports Exhibition Tournament is one of the highlights of our summer calendar this year. 

"Working closely with the military esports teams has been hugely rewarding and we're really thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the exciting world of military esports to the public, including a whole new generation of young gamers and those interested in finding out more about life in the military. 

"So, whether you're a button masher or consider yourself the MVP, join us for an action-packed day in Scarborough." 

Where and when will it take place? 

The live action will take place at the Promenade Lounge, Scarborough Spa, South Bay, Scarborough YO11 2HD. 

The tournament will run from 14:00 to 16:00, with the venue open from 12:30 for refreshments and pre-tournament esports banter.

Where's the live stream? 

BFBS will be live-streaming the tournament on BFBS Radio's Facebook Page, Forces News YouTube and the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Twitch accounts, with commentary from experienced military gamers, professional esports casters and a passionate online community. 

Forces News will be bringing you reports and stories throughout Armed Forces Week and live from Scarborough on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 25 June.