The UK’s only national schools esports tournament came to an end yesterday after a thrilling final battle held at the Gfinity Esports Arena in London. Eight teams came together at the Grand Final event to duke it out after months of gruelling regional qualifiers, playing the smash hit game Overwatch by Blizzard Entertainment, with the tournament seeing a record 3,500 participants from across the UK.
After crashing out in the final stages of last year’s competition, the Scorpions made a triumphant return to form and snatched victory from the hands of tournament frontrunners Only W! to win a range of prizes and the coveted Digital Schoolhouse trophy.
Reuben A of the Scorpions said
“It was an honour to be here and take part today. The competition was fierce and there were a few close calls, especially in our final round, but we triumphed in the end.”
The finale acted as an immersive careers experience and drew a wide range of high profile guests and spectators from across participating schools, the games industry and the political landscape, with matches also broadcast on video streaming platform Twitch. Students had the opportunity to converse with experienced video games professionals, broadening horizons and highlighting career growth opportunities as part of a truly unique educational experience provided by Digital Schoolhouse and its games industry partners.
The finale was part of the 2019 London Games Festival, which is comprised of a series of events showcasing London and the UK’s globally-lauded games industry. Other events of the festival include EGX Rezzed at Tobacco Docks, Now Play This at Somerset House and a cosplay parade through the capital, all backed by the Mayor of London, who over the last three years has provided £1.2 million of funding to the festival.
For more information on Digital Schoolhouse, please visit the official website.
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