Registration has opened for EGAMES DUBAI27, which organisers describe as the first global esports competition open to students from all types of schools, including government, publicly funded and independent schools.

The competition will bring together students from different countries to take part in esports tournaments, represent their schools and nations, and compete for the title of EGAMES World Champion.

The initiative was developed in partnership with Varkey Group and the British Esports Federation, with support from national esports federations and educational institutions.

So far, 14 national esports federations have confirmed their participation, including the UAE Esports Federation. More countries are expected to join the initiative in the coming months.

The in-person final of the inaugural EGAMES DUBAI27 will be held in April 2027 at GEMS School of Research & Innovation in Dubai.

Organisers say the competition is not merely an opportunity to showcase video gaming skills. It can also help students develop teamwork, effective communication, resilience and digital skills, while introducing them to career opportunities in gaming, technology and related industries.

The Road to the Dubai Final

Students enrolled during the 2026–2027 academic year will be eligible to participate in the programme.

To qualify for the Dubai final, applicants must first compete in national tournaments organised by their country’s esports federation. The top teams from these stages will advance to the international final in Dubai.

The final will feature three competitions:

EA SPORTS FC 27

Rocket League

Minecraft Build Challenge

In addition to medals, the winning teams will receive other prizes, including scholarships, opportunities linked to the Esports Nations Cup and new hardware for their schools’ facilities.

Sunny Varkey, chairman and founder of Varkey Group and GEMS Education, said the programme aims to bring together young people from around the world and give them opportunities to learn, connect, create, compete and lead.

He added that organisers want students to understand how the skills they develop through esports can create opportunities in technology, gaming, digital creativity and other fields.

GEMS Education has also joined the initiative as its education partner and will host the final at GEMS School of Research & Innovation.

More Than 600 Teams in UK Student Competitions

Chester King, president of the British Esports Federation and GEMS esports ambassador, said the federation has focused on esports education and school competitions since 2016.

According to King, the federation’s Student Champs series now includes more than 600 school teams, while its in-person finals have attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers.

Dubai’s Expanding Gaming Industry

Dubai’s selection as host comes as the city steps up investment in gaming, esports and the development of young talent.

These initiatives include the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which aims to position Dubai among the world’s top 10 gaming hubs by 2033.

Esports has also been designated an emerging and priority sport under the Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033.

Alongside the competitions, organisers plan to hold an educational summit in Dubai for teachers, partners and other stakeholders. Topics will include esports education, digital skills, artificial intelligence, student safeguarding, coaching and the skills required for future careers.

Interested schools, national federations and education partners can find more information on the official EGAMES website at egames.gg.

According to the official list, the 14 federations that have joined EGAMES DUBAI27 so far represent the UAE, the UK, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Türkiye and Zimbabwe.