A new era for Irish esports kicked off yesterday with the official launch of Ireland Esports Leagues, a national platform designed to link schools, universities and companies in a single competitive ecosystem.

The new network is powered by Nativz Gaming, offering a joined-up pathway from grassroots to graduate to the workplace, and laying the foundations for a sustainable, community-focused future.

The Ireland Esports Collegiate Series will enter its eighth edition this October, with 16 third-level institutions from across the island set to take part.

It will be joined this year by a new Schools Series, designed to help young people develop the digital and teamwork skills increasingly essential in today’s tech-driven world.

A Company Series pilot tournament held earlier this summer has paved the way for a full Season 1 launch in September 2025, creating further links between the academic and corporate sides of the community.

The ambition is to establish a full talent pipeline for players, creators, analysts, coaches, and others engaged in the wider ecosystem.

To support this, a Collegiate Advisory Committee has also been established, with senior university leaders working alongside Nativz to shape the strategic direction of the programme.

“This is a milestone moment for esports on the island of Ireland,” said Kurt Pittman, Founder and CEO of Nativz Gaming.

“For the first time, we’ve built a national structure that connects students, schools, educators and professionals — not just as players, but as future coaches, creators, analysts and leaders.”

“This is the next logical step for a scene that’s been steadily growing, and with the people and experience we’ve brought together, we’re best placed to do the job properly. We’ve delivered the biggest competitions on the island — now we’re uniting them to build something even more impactful.”

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WHAT’S UP NEXT?

Sport for Business is in planning for a number of major events bringing together leaders in Irish Sport and Business across a range of subjects in the second half of the year.

On Thursday, August 28th we will host a special event looking at Future Proofing Irish Sport including the use of AI in sport. Then in September we will host our Annual Children in Sport Conference, in October, our Annual Sport for Social Good Event, in November a new event focused on Sustainability in Sport and in December our 12th Annual Women in Sport Conference, in partnership with Lidl.

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