London is many things: a global financial hub, a literary haven, home to the West End, and the site of the world-famous Big Ben. Now it wants a new title – the world’s esports capital.
This ambitious goal was revealed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan during a trade expedition in Tokyo, where he discussed London’s potential to become a major esports hub.
“London is ready to level up and lead the world in esports,” Khan wrote on X.
“At the Red Bull Gaming Sphere in Tokyo with Fnatic and Sony, I set out my ambition for London to be the esports capital of the world.”
London’s esports ecosystem
Khan’s announcement was accompanied by a 13-point action plan titled “London’s Esports Opportunity”, which detailed the City Hall’s strategy in building its very own esports ecosystem.
The city is not starting from scratch.
London has hosted several major esports events in the past.
Among them is the 2024 League of Legends World Championship Finals, which achieved a peak of 6.94 million viewers worldwide during its premiere.
It further cemented its reputation as a leading destination for esports events by staging major Counter-Strike, Rocket League and Call of Duty tournaments.
The city is also home to Fnatic, one of the most decorated esports teams in the world.
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Revenue, tourism
By hosting major esports events and tournaments, London City Hall aims to generate revenue and boost local tourism.
“The value of the global esports market was forecast to surpass USD2 billion in 2025 and reach nearly USD10 billion by 2023.”
“Hosting major esports events can deliver around GBP30 million (around USD39 million) to London’s economy,” the City Hall wrote.
Through these events, the city is also eyeing the expansion of its business networks and the formation of a self-funded governing body to oversee London’s bid to become a global esports hub.
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Cultivating grassroots talents
The City Hall believes that by forming its very own esports ecosystem, local organisations will be able to cultivate their own talents.
“Many young people interested in esports lack clear routes into the industry, particularly if they are not already part of established networks.”
“London’s esports ecosystem is well placed to help close this gap by delivering training, mentoring, and other learning opportunities that connect the industry with local communities,” the City Hall wrote.
As part of this initiative, the City Hall plans to organise local tournaments and create community gaming hubs to discover budding esports talents.
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Job creation
The City Hall also aims to spread awareness by doing educational drives and career guidance counselling for young people who want to break into professional gaming.
“Strengthening these links can help ensure that London’s education system keeps pace with a fast-evolving industry,” the City Hall said.
The City Hall added that it will collaborate with universities, colleges and industry partners to develop esports-related educational opportunities.
This initiative will help learners “better understand both careers with esports and the wider transferable skills that can support employment across the digital and creative economy.”
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Elan Castanares 
Newsjustnews writers 
Mary Mae Balasanos