Registration is open for EGAMES DUBAI27, a school esports championship with finals in Dubai in April 2027. Khaleej Times calls it the world’s first international esports competition open to students from every type of school, “including government-run, state-funded and private institutions”. Students will compete in EA SPORTS FC 27, Rocket League, and a Minecraft build tournament.
Students will play for their schools and their countries, with national federations running the qualifiers. So far, 14 federations have signed up: the UAE, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Ireland, Jordan, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Türkiye, and Zimbabwe. The organisers expect more to join in the coming months. Whoever wins takes the title of EGAMES World Champion.
Varkey Group, the company behind GEMS Education, a global K-12 schools provider, co-created the event with the British Esports Federation. GEMS has joined as an education partner, and the live finals will take place at its GEMS School of Research & Innovation in Dubai.
How students get in
Any student studying during the 2026/27 academic year is eligible, but there’s no direct route to Dubai. Players must first compete in national tournaments run by their country’s esports federation, so schools enter through that federation. Schools, federations, and education partners can find details at egames.gg. The organisers haven’t announced a deadline, fees, or age groups.
Finalists will play for medals and other prizes, including scholarships, experiences at the Esports Nations Cup, and new hardware for their schools’ facilities. An education summit will also run alongside the finals for teachers and partners, covering esports education, digital skills, AI, safeguarding, coaching, and future-career skills.
We want students to see how the skills they develop can open doors across technology, gaming, digital creativity and beyond. Their potential deserves to be nurtured, and their achievements recognised on a world stage.
Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of Varkey Group and GEMS Education
British Esports has worked since 2016 to establish esports as both an educational and competitive opportunity. Its president, Chester King, says its Student Champs series already has “more than 600 school teams competing across four titles”. He calls Varkey Group “the obvious choice” for taking that model international.
Why Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, launched the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033, and the Dubai Media Council set up a Dubai Gaming Committee. Esports is also listed as a priority emerging sport in the city’s Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033. GEMS recently opened its GR8 School, while FC 27 players in the UAE already have the Red Bull Wings Cup to aim at.
Once the national qualifiers finish, the winning school teams will travel to Dubai for the April finals.
Who can enter EGAMES DUBAI27?
Students studying during the 2026/27 academic year at any type of school, through their country’s national esports federation tournament.
Which games are played?
EA SPORTS FC 27, Rocket League, and a Minecraft build tournament.
When and where are the finals?
At GEMS School of Research & Innovation in Dubai in April 2027.
