BUSINESS and industry leaders from across the region came together at an esports to to discuss the economic benefits and opportunities offered by esports.
West Midlands Unwrapped hosted at bp pulse LIVE (The NEC, Birmingham campus), identified future growth opportunities in this fast-growing industry and how partners could work together in the future.
The summit, held as part of the Game on Birmingham event series featured the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) 2025 Major Birmingham and the inaugural British Esports Cup, also took stock of education, careers and skills development, and heard from students about their esports experiences.
Themes emerged around how the skills required to succeed in esports – not only the more obvious digital skills, but also teamwork, collaboration and communication – can be utilised and help forge career pathways in tech, digital and STEM industries.
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, who opened the event, said: “On the back of two global events in the last 12 months, Solihull is fast becoming the place to be for esports.
“Not only do we have Solihull College and University Centre with its esports course supported by a new state-of-the-art esports lab, but we also have the best esports facilities in the country nearby at Warwick University.
“We have a growing digital and creative business sector here in Solihull, and the whole region must harness the resource, opportunity and momentum that we have and put the West Midlands on the map as a centre for esports.
“I was inspired and motivated by our discussions and the energy in the room, and I look forward to working with partners, old and new, to ensure we can make the most of these prospects.”
Chester King, president British Esports Federation, said: “Alongside the excitement of our inaugural British Esports Cup and the RLCS Major, these crucial conversations have laid the groundwork for collaborative initiatives that will deliver significant economic and social benefits to the region in the years to come.
“Together, we are poised to deliver long-term economic and social impact for Solihull and the West Midlands, leveraging the power of esports to create new opportunities and elevate the region on the global stage.”
Charlie Cowdrey, BLAST’s program director for Rocket League and Fortnite, said: “Game on Birmingham proved the power of esports to deliver real impact.
“The British Esports Cup, Esports Unwrapped and the RLCS Birmingham Major all helped put the West Midlands on the map as a gaming and esports hub nationally and globally – bringing thousands of fans, players and partners to the region, generating significant economic value while also creating career and learning opportunities for young people.”
Solihull Council has worked in partnership with BLAST, British Esports Federation, NEC Group, West Midlands Growth Company and the University of Warwick.
The West Midlands Combined Authority and the UK Government supported the organisers of the event with funding from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund. This is being used to boost trade and tourism sectors and bring vital footfall to local businesses in the region.
