The UK Armed Forces’ flagship esports competition is officially back. The BFBS Pro League has returned for Season Two, bringing an expanded line-up of games, new competitive formats, and an in-person Grand Final set to take place in London later this year.
Organised by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), the league continues to grow as a major platform for competitive gaming within the Armed Forces community, following a hugely successful debut season in 2025.
Expanded Game Line-Up for 2026
After attracting over 700 players in its inaugural season, the BFBS Pro League is levelling up in 2026 with the addition of two major titles alongside returning favourite Rocket League.
New games joining the roster include:
- F1 25
- League of Legends
Competitors will battle through a series of tournaments across these titles, with the Rocket League competition taking centre stage at the Grand Final.
Grand Final Set for London’s RAF Museum
The season will culminate in a live Grand Final on Sunday 27 September at the Royal Air Force Museum London.
This in-person event promises a high-energy esports experience, bringing together players and fans from across the Armed Forces community for a showcase of elite competition.
A League Built for the Armed Forces Community
The BFBS Pro League remains a unique competitive space, exclusively open to:
- Serving personnel
- Veterans
- MOD civil servants
- Reservists
- UK cadet forces
- Bereaved families and immediate relatives
The initiative is designed not just for competition, but to strengthen community ties, encourage teamwork, and develop strategic thinking through esports.
Adam Waters, Director of AI Culture and Gaming at BFBS, described Season Two as a major leap forward, highlighting expanded opportunities and “even bigger ambitions for the future.”
Introducing the BFBS Open Series
New for 2026 is the BFBS Open Series, a community-driven tournament format aimed at making esports more accessible.
Unlike the Pro League, which targets intermediate to advanced players, the Open Series is open to beginners and casual competitors. It will feature:
- Stand-alone online tournaments
- Community voting on game titles via Discord
- A strong safeguarding framework with moderation and zero-tolerance policies
According to Robert Wylie, Head of BFBS Esports, the Open Series is key to growing the ecosystem and giving more players a pathway into competitive gaming.
Why Esports Matters in the Armed Forces
The rise of esports within the military isn’t just about entertainment. Senior leaders, including Lt Gen Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, have highlighted its value in:
- Developing strategic decision-making
- Enhancing teamwork
- Building communication skills
These are all critical attributes that translate directly into real-world operational environments.
Players React to the League’s Return
Participants from last year’s competition have praised the professionalism and excitement of the BFBS Pro League.
Royal Navy players described the experience as “a blast,” highlighting the opportunity to represent their service on a national stage and compete in a structured, high-quality esports environment.
How to Sign Up
Registration for Season Two is now open. Players can sign up and find out more via the official BFBS Esports website: www.bfbsesports.com
The Future of Military Esports
With a broader game roster, inclusive competition formats, and a high-profile London final, the BFBS Pro League is positioning itself as a cornerstone of UK military esports.
As Season Two kicks off, it’s clear that competitive gaming is becoming an increasingly powerful force for connection, skill-building and community within the Armed Forces.
