UK-based esports organisation Guild Esports has announced it will cease operations, citing ‘financial challenges’ and the economic climate as reasons for its closure.
The organisation, formerly backed by David Beckham, was reportedly put up for sale on an insolvency market on August 14th, 2025. However, it seems that a buyer has not been found.
Announced on social media, Guild Esports & Gaming Limited stated: “Despite our best efforts, financial challenges and the current economic climate have made it impossible for us to continue operating.”
The news follows various female content creators and esports players sharing concerns regarding a lack of payments, fearing their unpaid invoices will not be addressed.
Esports host Frankie Ward commented on the situation, stating: “Unfortunately, insolvency means they probably won’t – I feel for the staff who don’t have jobs anymore, but I also think we deserve some information.”
The Story of Guild Esports
Founded in 2020 with the backing of high-profile former footballer Beckham, Guild Esports quickly established itself within the UK esports scene, securing several high-profile partnerships with the likes of Sky and sandwich restaurant chain Subway.
Later on in the year, the organisation made history by becoming the first esports organisation to be listed on the London Stock Exchange, becoming a public company as a result. However, over the following years, Guild Esports’ stock began to rapidly drop and the organisation suffered many financial hurdles despite raising varying amounts of funding.
In October 2024, Guild Esports was acquired by US sports investment firm DCB Sports LLC for £100,000 plus £2m in liabilities after the organisation revealed it was seeking financial solutions.
Over the last five years, the organisation has fielded rosters across several esports titles, ranging from Apex Legends and Rocket League to sim racing. Some of its biggest accolades include winning the FIFA eChampions League in 2022 and Fortnite’s FNCS: 2021 Grand Royale – Europe.
“After careful consideration, we must share the difficult news that Guild Esports & Gaming will be closing. Despite our best efforts, financial challenges and the current economic climate have made it impossible for us to continue operating.
“From day one, our mission extended far beyond competition. We’ve been privileged to champion representation and create opportunities within our industry using esports and gaming as powerful tools for inspiration, inclusion, and empowerment.
“We recognise that this closure disappoints the community that believed in us, and for that we are sorry. However, we hope this does not overshadow the work our dedicated staff delivered throughout our journey. This outcome is also not a reflection of the support of all our partners who supported our work in the esports space alongside us over the past five years.
“To everyone who became part of the Guild family, from our fans and players to staff and partners – thank you. Your passion and belief helped us build something truly special.”
