Guild Esports faces closure after six years of operation
- Guild Esports, founded in May 2019 and once backed by David Beckham, has officially announced its closure.
- The organization faced financial difficulties and was unable to achieve consistent competitive success despite its innovative initiatives.
- This closure signifies ongoing challenges in the UK esports industry and reflects a troubling trend of community hub closures.
In the United Kingdom, Guild Esports & Gaming Limited, a competitive gaming organization initially supported by former football player David Beckham, has announced its closure after nearly six years of operation. Founded with ambitious goals, Guild Esports aimed to redefine the esports space by focusing on community-building and improving mental health awareness within the industry. Despite its innovative approach, including the establishment of an academy to foster new talent, the organization struggled to achieve significant competitive success, encountering financial difficulties that ultimately led to its demise. On August 21, 2025, the organization shared a heartfelt message to its community, acknowledging the disappointment their closure would bring. The statement highlighted the efforts of their dedicated staff and the supportive collaborations developed over the years. Founded in May 2019, Guild Esports saw a period of hope when it was acquired by DCB Sports for £100,000 in October 2024, which allowed it to transition to a privately held company; however, the ongoing economic climate posed insurmountable challenges. Throughout its existence, Guild faced criticism for its inability to balance its identity as both an esports organization and a lifestyle brand. Major roster signings attracted attention, but many players, including TaySon and Flikk, experienced brief tenures before leaving. The organization aspired to make an impact with initiatives aimed at women in esports, hosting events and discussions leading up to its final days. The closure of Guild Esports reflects a troubling trend in the UK esports scene, where community hub closures are increasingly prevalent. It signals challenging times in sponsorships and funding within the industry, creating a somber atmosphere as another organization dedicated to the sport shuts its doors. Guild Esports will be remembered for its commitment to redefining esports, even if it did not achieve the expected level of competitive prowess.