What is Ireland Esports Collegiate Series?

The Ireland Esports Collegiate Series was established back in 2017 and is the official esports competition on the island of Ireland.

It enables students to represent their university or college across a range of titles — including League of Legends, Valorant, CS2, Rocket League and many more.

With recognised pathways into professional teams for players, casting, event production, coaching and team operations, the series supports student engagement those looking to build their career in esports and gaming.

How long has collegiate esports been available for students in Ireland?

Collegiate esports has been active in Ireland since the 2017/18 academic year. It began as a grassroots movement known as Irish Collegiate Esports, later rebranded to Legion Collegiate in 2021/22, then to Nativz Collegiate in 2022/23, and now operates as the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series.

Over the years, it has grown into the island’s largest esports competition, welcoming both performance-level players and those seeking a social, community-driven experience.

How does the Collegiate Series tournament work?

The series runs across two semesters (Winter and Spring). Each game title follows a structured tournament format with regular rounds across 8 weeks leading into a finals week.

Matches are played remotely using our competitive gaming platform Nemesis, with teams typically co-ordinated by university esports societies or their equivalent.

Each week we deliver a daily broadcast for the game of the round in each game title with past and present students involved in the production.

What structure and support is in place to deliver the Collegiate Series?

The Collegiate Series is operated by Nativz Gaming, with guidance from our Collegiate Advisory Committee, made up of representatives from participating institutions. Our Leadership Team is made up of experienced esports leaders, the majority of which are Collegiate Series Alumni.

We also evolving to mirror traditional student sport frameworks which are led by Student Sport Ireland. The structure accommodates both competitive players aiming to perform and social participants looking for fun and connection.

What support is available for universities and colleges that want to enhance their esports focus?

Nativz Gaming actively support institutions that want to grow their esports offering — whether that’s through launching a student society, hosting tournaments, or developing campus gaming spaces.

We offer strategic advice, case studies, templates, and direct support for building out an esports vision, including co-curricular value, wellbeing impact, and alignment with digital skills and student engagement goals.

To find out more email [email protected]

What is Ireland Esports Schools Series?

The Schools Series is Ireland’s official national esports programme for schools. Designed with teachers, young people and and parents in mind, it provides a safe and engaging way for students to compete in popular esports titles akin to how schools deliver after-school sports teams.

How does esports compare to traditional school sports in terms of benefits and structure?

Like football or rugby, esports involves team practices, tournaments, and goal-setting. The main difference is the digital platform, which can be especially engaging for students who thrive in tech-based activities. Contrary to public opinion, to excel in esports it requires mental fitness but it also requires physical fitness.

How do I get my school or students involved in the Schools Series?

Simply fill out the Schools Series interest form or contact us directly. We’ll provide a starter pack, key dates, and everything you need to help your students compete.

Do teachers or staff need gaming experience to run a team?

Not at all. Enthusiasm and willingness to support your students is what matters most. We provide onboarding resources and connect you with experienced staff across the network.

What equipment or infrastructure do we need to participate?

A basic setup with school-approved gaming PCs or consoles is ideal. For schools lacking equipment, we can explore partnerships or grants to support technology access. For me info check out this article: https://www.irelandesportsschools.com/p/the-essential-hardware-for-school-esports

What is Ireland Esports Company Series: Office Showdown and who is it for?

Office Showdown is Ireland’s national workplace esports series. It’s open to startups, global firms, remote teams, government departments, alumni players - anyone working for an Irish business.

How can esports benefit staff wellbeing and team-building?

Gaming builds connection, reduces stress and provides a low-barrier team activity that appeals across departments and job functions. Plus, it’s fun and inclusive - designed to provide an alternative and more accessible solution for team building.

Do we need to provide gaming equipment for our team?

Basic equipment is needed, but many employees may choose to use their personal setups from home - that is unless you want to give them the opportunity to play from the offic. We’re happy to advise on workplace-friendly options or sourcing partners, just email us on [email protected]

Can we involve remote or hybrid staff in competitions?

Yes — the series is built for flexibility. Remote, in-office, or hybrid teams can all compete in our structured online format. We’d just love them to join us for the LAN (In-Person) finals event.

Can we include Collegiate Series alumni in our Company Series team?

Yes — many teams in the Company Series include alumni from the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series. These players often bring experience from structured university competition and can be registered through our Sub Pool, which connects available talent with companies looking to build or complete a roster.

What’s more, many of these alumni are recent graduates or early-career professionals — making the Company Series a smart way to engage talent that may also be exploring graduate job opportunities. It’s a unique mix of team-building, culture-fit testing and low-pressure networking — all through play.

Who can take part in Ireland Esports Leagues competitions?

If you’re a secondary school student, third-level student, recent graduate, employee, or part of a national esports community - there’s a place for you. Each series has clear eligibility criteria.

What games are played across each series?

Game titles that were offered during the 2024/25 Collegiate Series included Valorant, League of Legends, CS2, Rocket League, EAFC, F1 24, Overwatch and Chess — with variations by series and season.

For the Company Series: Office Showdown Pilot we focused on Valorant, League of Legends, CS2 and Rocket League. That’s due to expand and include EA FC and Chess in the 2025/26 Series.

Do I need to be on a team to register?

You can register as an individual, and we’ll help you find a team. This is especially common in the Company Series: Office Showdown.

What can I expect in terms of broadcast, coaching, or talent opportunities?

Top matches are broadcast weekly with our casters and production crew pulling the strings. Our alumni and academy programmes provide opportunities to develop in coaching, analysis, casting and more.

How can I progress into a pro pathway?

Perform well in any of the series and you’ll be on our radar. Nativz Esports Club, the other Irish clubs, and some from beyond regularly scout from within Ireland, and we support transitions into higher levels of play and talent roles.

What’s the difference between Ireland Esports Leagues and Ireland Esports Federation?

Ireland Esports Leagues is a grassroots-led, community-first ecosystem developing clear pathways from schools to the workplace which is owned and operated by Nativz Gaming Limited.

"Ireland Esports Federation” is an unofficial and separate organisation that shares staff with Wylde, a professional esports club operating out of Co. Cork.

As we see the convergence between sports and esports leadership growing, if for no other reason than the Esports Olympics in 2027, we look forward to collaborating with all local stakeholders on forming an appropriate governance structure for esports that truly reflects the active community.