Dubai to host inaugural EGAMES in 2027
Dubai will host the inaugural edition of EGAMES in April 2027, bringing together school esports teams from around the world to compete in EA SPORTS FC 27, Rocket League and Minecraft.
Named EGAMES DUBAI27, the competition has been co-created by Varkey Group and the British Esports Federation, with registration open to state-funded, government-run and independent schools worldwide.
The international finals will take place at GEMS School of Research & Innovation in Dubai, with students qualifying through national tournaments organised by their respective esports federations.
Fourteen national esports federations have committed to supporting the competition, including the Emirates Esports Federation, Jordan Esports Federation, British Esports Federation and Esports Australia.
Students enrolled during the 2026/27 academic year will be eligible to participate, representing their schools and countries as they compete for the title of EGAMES World Champion.
The competition will feature three categories: EA SPORTS FC 27, Rocket League and a Minecraft build tournament. Prizes will include medals, scholarships, experiences at the
Esports Nations Cup and new gaming hardware for participating schools.
GEMS Education has joined EGAMES as an education partner, supporting the initiative's aim of developing teamwork, communication, resilience and digital skills through competitive gaming.
Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of Varkey Group and GEMS Education, said the competition would provide young people with opportunities beyond esports.
"Our aim is to bring young people from around the world together, giving them the opportunity to learn, connect, create, compete and lead," he said.
"We want students to see how the skills they develop can open doors across technology, gaming, digital creativity and beyond."
Chester King, President of the British Esports Federation and GEMS Esports Ambassador, highlighted the organisation's experience in school esports.
The federation's Student Champs programme has attracted more than 600 school teams competing across four games, with its live finals reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers.
"We now want to develop and encourage global competition between countries, so partnering with Varkey Group was the obvious choice to launch EGAMES," King said.
Alongside the competition, organisers plan to host an education summit in Dubai, bringing together teachers, industry partners and other stakeholders to discuss esports education, artificial intelligence, digital skills, safeguarding and coaching.
The initiative also aims to promote international cultural exchange and introduce students to career opportunities in gaming, technology and related industries.
Dubai's selection as the inaugural host city reflects the emirate's growing investment in gaming and esports, including the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 and the Dubai Esports and Games Festival.
Schools, national federations and education partners interested in participating can register through the official EGAMES website.
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