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International cyber warriors have gathered in London to sharpen their cyber warfare skills during the first International Defence Esports Games (IDEG) this week.
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International cyber warriors have gathered in London to sharpen their cyber warfare skills during the first International Defence Esports Games (IDEG) this week.
More than 40 allied nations will support the event held in the United Kingdom – and Australia is reportedly angling to host the 2027 edition.
Personnel develop critical battlefield skills through competitive gaming, such as tracking multiple threats at once, directing soldiers on the ground, performing under intense pressure, and changing tactics based on live intelligence.
Personnel at the event must process tactical information instantly while maintaining precision under combat pressure.
“The International Defence Esports Games represent a significant step forward in developing the cyber and digital skills essential for modern military operations,” said General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander of Cyber and Specialist Operations Command.
“Lessons from conflicts, including Ukraine, have demonstrated the real-world value of gaming technology in training drone operators and enhancing cyber capabilities.
“IDEG will strengthen our warfighting readiness whilst building crucial partnerships with allied nations who share our commitment to technological innovation in defence.”
Serving personnel from nations, including the UK, Canada, and Poland, will compete for the first time at IDEG26. Ukrainian forces have already proved gaming’s tactical value by developing drone simulator games, which improved operators’ targeting accuracy and reaction times, enabling more effective missions against Russian forces.
“The Strategic Defence Review has shown us clearly that the nature of war is changing, and we must change with it,” said UK Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones.
“The government’s Plan for Change demands forces are ready for digital battlegrounds, where our personnel must be as skilled in cyber security and with controllers as they are in traditional combat.”
“Lessons from Ukraine have shown how gaming technology can train drone operators and develop the rapid decision-making skills essential for modern warfare.
“The International Defence Esports Games positions Britain at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring our armed forces are prepared for the conflicts of tomorrow.”
The UK previously recognised e-sports as a military sport in 2024. Modern warfare demands rapid digital decision making, drone operation skills, and cyber capabilities; the event is envisioned to act as a collaborative arena for allied nations to sharpen the cyber skills that are critical for modern warfare.
“Modern warfare is evolving, and the defence community must navigate both physical and digital battlegrounds,” said Babcock International mission systems chief executive Neal Misell.
“E-sports will play a vital role in attracting and developing the digital and cyber skills that we need to meet this challenge. Coming just a few short months after the launch of Nomad, our AI-enabled intelligence tool for frontline decision making, we are passionate about supporting our armed forces with the tools that give them a winning edge.
“We’re proud to be one of the founding mission partners of this pioneering international competition, uniting gamers from allied nations worldwide and strengthening defence partnerships.”
The competition finals will take place at the new National Gaming and Esports Arena in Sunderland in October 2026, featuring live-streamed tournaments and strategic summits exploring cyber security, AI, and drone operations.
“The launch of the IDEG is a historic occasion for British Esports and military personnel worldwide. We are honoured to host the inaugural finals at our National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland, which will showcase our world-class facilities and the city and region’s emerging status as a digital innovation cluster,” said Chester King, president of British Esports.
“With international interest already coming from cities in the USA and Australia to host IDEG27, we are focused on making this first event a phenomenal success.”
The UK event is supported by partnerships with BAE Systems, Babcock International, M&S Saatchi and the British Forces Broadcasting Service.
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Robert Dougherty
