NSE and Barclays renew partnership

Multinational investment bank Barclays has renewed its partnership with National Student Esports (NSE) for another year.

The bank will be the official sponsor of the British University Esports Championships, as well as the second Games Innovation Challenge. Both events are scheduled to take place in 2022.

Image credit: NSE / Barclays

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The British University Esports Championships saw more than 1700 teams from over 100 universities compete in a series of esports titles. Meanwhile, the Games Innovation Challenge is a video game building competition for students from UK colleges.

David Gowans, Head of Games and Esports, Barclays, commented: “We are excited to continue our partnership with NSE. The success of the first Games Innovation Challenge helped to highlight the calibre of future developer talent the UK has to offer.

“Continuing to work with NSE on its second iteration, with the prospect of bringing in a wider range of participants, gives us an even greater opportunity to continue our support of the growing games and esports industries, from the grassroots up.”

Barclays, one of the most known financial institutions in the United Kingdom. The bank has sponsored esports events and leagues in the past, as well as collaborating on a range of initiatives. Last year, the bank partnered with Dreamhack and Riot Games to sponsor the UKLC, the UK and Ireland’s regional League of Legends tournament.

Image credit: ESI

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Alex Coulson, Managing Director, NSE, added: “We’re grateful to have Barclays’ support to give opportunities to champion and develop the diverse student community. The games submitted in the 2021 challenge surpassed our expectations and we can’t wait to see what games are designed next year.”

Esports Insider says: It’s good to see Barclays doubling down on its investment in student esports in the UK. The renewal of the partnership between the bank and NSE will surely bring better quality events and competitions for participants and viewers.

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