British Esports outlines Esports Nations Cup bid

National esports body British Esports has revealed plans to secure National Team Partner status for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup.

The body, alongside several notable stakeholders from esports and traditional sport, aims to field a national team at the upcoming multinational event taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Stakeholders supporting the bid include UK-based esports organisation Fnatic, Esports Wales, Scottish Esports, the UK Esports Teams Committee (UKETC), and the Football Association (FA). Notably, Esports Northern Ireland is not listed as a supporting partner.

In addition to revealing those supporting the British Esports bid, the national body has opened applications for the role of Great Britain’s National Team Manager. According to a release, the manager serves ‘as the primary point of contact for the Esports Nations Cup’ and is responsible for selecting the coaches for their respective titles.

Applications for the role of National Team Manager are open now and close on January 26th. The short turnaround is a result of the January 31st deadline to apply for a National Team Partnership.

Jeff Simpkins, chair of the UKETC, has put his name forward for the role, having experience in managing the England football team’s national esports rosters. “I believe I have the necessary skills, contacts, and ability to do the nation proud,” Simpkins wrote on social media.

Organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation, the Esports Nations Cup sees players from across the world competing for their countries across a variety of titles.

Since its unveiling in August 2025, the event has secured deals with the likes of EA, Chess.com, and MOONTON Games, who have become publishing partners for the inaugural edition taking place in November.

The role of National Team Manager is funded through the Esports Nations Cup Development Fund, a $20m (~£14.8m) initiative to support the growth and development of national teams.