ast year in the UK, the gaming world
took a promising new step in the direction of diversity with the long- awaited introduction of the Women’s Esports Finals. The finals took place on 9 November 2024 at Sky’s London headquarters. The tournament, which was broadcast by Sky, was the first of its kind. Competitors in the UK faced off for a prize of £50,000 to be split between them, a coveted professional contract with Guild Esports and Gaming and free Sky Broadband for 24 months. Launched globally in 2020 in a bid to help shape the future of gaming, Guild Esports is committed to boosting visibility for women’s esports. In 2024, it launched further women in gaming campaigns along with Sky Broadband. Its impact has already been felt across the sector, with the likes of footballing legend (and co-owner) David Beckham being an ambassador and firm supporter of its women in gaming initiatives. “We have four main pillars of focus: core esports (top-tier teams in Apex Legends and COD: Warzone ), women in gaming, mobile gaming ( PUBG Mobile , MLBB , plus one to be announced) and sim racing (Protea, Academy, Drive Lounge and IRL RPL),” begins Luke Jones, vice president of commercial, esports and gaming at Guild Esports. “Our 2025 and beyond mission is to be the global pioneer in unifying and
IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT Women’s esports initiatives are allowing female players to have a hand on the wheel
accelerating the future of esports and gaming through world-class talent, technology and partnerships.” On the rise For the Women’s Finals, nine of the best women esports drivers in the UK competed on fan favourite tracks, with Grete Lajal topping the podium in the sim racing competition. Fellow Racers Eseries competitor Clara
Bucciacchio won a Guild Esports and Gaming Academy contract following her set of races. The contract will ultimately give Bucciacchio access to support and training to raise her game to the professional level. While these well-deserved awards are a step in the right direction, the highest earners are still male dominated and, according to reports at the time of writing, the top 20 esports earners
WATCH ME! Click play to view full coverage of the Women’s Esports Finals, as broadcast by partner Sky Sports
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