In recent years, London has emerged as one of the UK’s most exciting gaming hubs. From esports tournaments to indie showcases, the capital offers an electric blend of professional competitions, community-led events, and casual gaming nights for all skill levels. Whether you’re a spectator, a seasoned gamer, or someone looking to host your very own event, understanding the best contests and what it takes to organise one can be your next great mission.
Here’s your guide to the top gaming contests in London, how to run your own on a budget, the most popular competitive games in the UK, and a few logistical must-haves (including fun touches like a group greeting card for participants or winners).
Top Gaming Contests in London
- Insomnia Gaming Festival (London Edition)
Though its main base is in Birmingham, Insomnia regularly brings pop-up events to London, showcasing major tournaments, retro gaming, VR demos, and community matches. It’s a mecca for fans of titles like Call of Duty, Rocket League, and Fortnite. - London Esports Tournaments (Various Venues)
Organisations such as Gfinity and Belong Gaming Arenas frequently host esports tournaments across London boroughs. From local amateur leagues to regional qualifiers for global events, these contests offer both competitive intensity and great networking. - EGX London
Held at ExCeL London, EGX is the UK’s biggest gaming convention. It features game previews, indie showcases, and competitions across multiple genres. Tournaments for games like Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros. and Tekken are a yearly highlight. - University Esports Competitions
London’s universities—including UCL and King’s College—host student-led gaming contests throughout the academic year. These events often welcome non-students as spectators and sometimes even as participants. - Local Gaming Bars & Cafés
Places like Platform in Shoreditch or Meltdown in Islington host weekly competitions—casual yet high-energy—where players face off in games like Mario Kart, League of Legends, or Valorant. These are great for first-timers and community-driven fun.
Best Games for UK-Based Gaming Contests
When selecting games for a gaming contest in the UK, opt for titles that are both popular and tournament-friendly. Here’s a tried-and-tested list:
- FIFA (especially during World Cup or Premier League seasons)
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Fortnite
- Rocket League
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Valorant
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
- League of Legends
- Street Fighter V / VI
- Overwatch 2
These games have a strong player base in the UK, accessible mechanics for spectators, and ready-made tournament structures that make organising easier.
How to Organise Your Own Gaming Contest in London
1. Set a Clear Objective and Format
Are you running a casual community event, a fundraising contest, or a competitive bracket? Decide if your tournament is 1v1, team-based, round robin, or knockout-style. This will shape everything from your budget to your schedule.
2. Choose the Right Venue
London offers a wide range of potential venues. For small-scale events, hire a space in a local gaming café or co-working hub. For larger events, consider community halls, university auditoriums, or tech event spaces like CodeNode or Rich Mix.
Make sure the venue has:
- High-speed internet
- Sufficient power outlets
- Comfortable seating
- Screens/projectors for spectators
3. Sort Your Equipment Early
Depending on your game, you’ll need PCs, consoles (like PlayStation or Nintendo Switch), controllers, gaming chairs, headsets, and backup power solutions. Many gaming venues already offer equipment rental, saving you major logistics hassle.
4. Budget Wisely
Here’s a basic structure:
- Venue hire: £150–£800 depending on location and size
- Equipment rental: £200–£1000 (or more for high-spec setups)
- Prizes: £100–£500 for trophies, merchandise, or game credits
- Marketing and printing: £50–£200
- Snacks and drinks: £100–£250
Save money by securing local sponsorships (e.g. from gaming shops or energy drink brands), charging a small entry fee, or partnering with a university society.
5. Plan for Promotion
Use platforms like Eventbrite, Meetup, Facebook Gaming Groups, Reddit UK Gaming threads, and Discord to get the word out. Make eye-catching posters and graphics for social media.
6. Think of the Details
- Schedule breaks between rounds
- Provide clear rules and referees
- Have a backup system if tech fails
- Offer something memorable for all players—like a group greeting card signed by organisers or fellow gamers, which adds a personal and community-driven touch
Tips for Hosting on a Budget
- Use public venues with existing gaming setups (e.g. Belong Arenas or university IT rooms)
- Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) formats save rental costs
- Offer digital certificates instead of physical trophies
- Use free tournament software like Challonge or Battlefy for brackets
Don’t Forget the Vibe
Gaming contests are about more than competition—they’re about camaraderie and fun. Add personality to your event with themed decorations, custom name tags, in-game cosplay, or raffles. A chill lounge area or snack bar can also give participants time to unwind.
Consider creating a small welcome pack or keepsake: a printed schedule, a badge, and yes—even a fun group greeting card to be filled in by players and handed to the tournament champion. Small details like these transform a regular contest into a memorable gaming experience.
Final Thoughts: Play Hard, Plan Smart
London is teeming with passionate gamers and exciting venues, making it an ideal place to both attend and organise gaming contests. Whether you’re competing in Rocket League at EGX or hosting a FIFA tournament in a Brixton basement, the opportunities are as endless as the games themselves.
The key to success? Plan ahead, budget smartly, and never underestimate the power of community. With the right setup and a little creativity, your event could be the next big thing in the capital’s growing gaming scene. Game on.
