The UK Armed Forces’ flagship esports competition is back. BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has announced the return of the BFBS Pro League, launching Season Two, today, 2 April, following the success of last year’s historic inaugural competition for the UK Armed Forces community.
Following the breakthrough first season that attracted more than 700 players from across the British Armed Forces community, the BFBS Pro League returns with an expanded esports line-up, adding F1 25 and League of Legends for 2026. This year’s Grand Final will be featuring Rocket League with players battling through a series of tournaments before the action culminates on Sunday 27 September at the Royal Air Force Museum, London.
The Pro League is designed exclusively as a competitive arena where serving personnel, veterans, MOD civil servants, reservists, members of the UK cadet forces, the bereaved community and immediate family members (parents, children, and siblings) can compete, connect, and represent their defence communities on a national stage. This year, the BFBS Esports team will be aiming to grow the league significantly, alongside delivering at least four in-person gaming activations across the year.
Adam Waters, Director of AI Culture and Gaming, said:
Season Two of the BFBS Pro League represents a major step forward for esports within the UK Armed Forces community. The level of competition we saw during the first season was incredibly impressive, and this year we’re expanding the league with more titles, more opportunities to compete, and even bigger ambitions for the future.
Season Two also introduces the BFBS Open Series, a new community-driven tournament format aimed at widening participation and offering a more accessible route for casual gamers to get involved. While the Pro League caters to intermediate and advanced players, the Open Series is designed for beginner through to intermediate competitors. It will feature stand-alone online events and a vote via the BFBS Esports Discord server to decide which games will be chosen for each tournament, offering players of all skill levels an entry point into competitive esports, supported by a strong focus on safeguarding, including dedicated in-house moderators, a zero-tolerance approach to negative behaviour, and a commitment to supporting a positive competitive environment.
Robert Wylie, Head of BFBS Esports, added:
The Pro League is the flagship competition within BFBS esports, and bringing it back for a second season is hugely exciting. As well as adding two massively popular titles, we want to make sure the esports ecosystem continues to grow, which is why we’re launching the Open Series this year. It gives more players a chance to compete, gain experience, and be part of the wider defence gaming community.
Former Deputy Commander Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, Lt Gen Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE, who has been championing esports across UK Defence also added:
Attending last year’s inaugural BFBS Pro League Finals was an exciting experience, and I am very much looking forward to this year’s edition. The BFBS Pro League is an excellent example of supporting the UK Armed Forces and wider Defence enterprise via esports, which are an increasingly impactful means of developing skills, fostering teamwork, and improving strategic decision-making.
Beyond the competition itself, the Pro League continues to resonate with those who take part. Royal Navy players who attended last year’s Grand Final also shared their experiences of competing:
Able Rate Dylan Taylor “DylzaT”:
I had so much fun competing in BFBS Pro League Season 1. Playing in such a professional league and getting to represent the Navy at that level, gave me an absolute blast of a time and I can't wait for season 2.
Leading Hand Daniel Galloway “Stimple_Bog”:
I can't wait to take place in the forces most prestigious and competitive league again, see you at LAN.
Leading Engineering Technician William Stratton “William200015”:
I loved that us as players got the opportunity to play in that sort of scene even though we aren't the best and I also loved the commentary on the games as it made it feel very professional and I can't wait for the new season.
Building on the success of last year, the BFBS Pro League returns bigger, more competitive and more accessible than ever, as it continues to support esports across the UK Armed Forces community.
Registration for Season Two opens today, 2 April. Players can sign up and find out more at www.bfbsesports.com
Further information can also be discovered through BFBS Esports YouTube and Twitch with updates being shared across the website, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
For media enquiries, assets, interview requests and further information, please contact:
Angela Lee: Strategic Communications Manager, BFBS - [email protected].