In 2021, Weston College launched the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Esports, and the learners have already achieved an impressive accolade, reaching the semi-finals of the British Esports Championships.

The learners have formed several teams, who all compete in their chosen games, and the team that play ‘Overwatch’ are gaining national exposure, for their success in reaching the semi-final. After competing in initial trials in October (just one month into the course) to pick their starting 6 prior to starting the season for the British E-Sports Championships.

They achieved a win in all their games in the lead up to Winter split. Because of their placement and results, the team was placed in Division 1.

After competing against the other teams in Division 1, they placed second to reach the Semi-Finals in the elimination stages.

In their first game, they beat Welsh College, Coleg Sir Gar 3-0. In their second game, they went the distance and played into overtime on the final map as they beat Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies’ Overwatch team, Confetti Arrows, 3-2.

From there, the training stepped up to practicing 5-6 times a week to prepare for the semi-finals against Queen Mary College (QM Samurais). Unfortunately, they were not able to progress from there after losing 3-0, but still gave the other team a very close game and played valiantly, going into overtime multiple times on different maps. Luke, a student who plays for the team, commented on this by saying: “I will hopefully do it again. The team that knocked us out this year is graduating, whereas the core of our team is staying, so we hope we’re able to win next year.”

Roger, another member of the team, added: “Competing is always great fun and challenges us to improve our teamwork and communication skills – a highlight of this year was being livestreamed on the British Esports Twitch channel; I certainly want to compete again next year!”

Will Price, a supportive member of staff, summarised: “We had an amazing run and were deserved semi-finalists; the dedication to training and improving as a team was inspirational to see.”

If you’re interested in the opportunities available in E-Sports, click here.