New eSports facility enhances online gaming at HMS SULTAN

The Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, Captain Jo Deakin OBE was joined by representatives from the Royal Navy Video Games and Esports Association (RNVGEA) for the official opening of the HMS Sultan eSports Facility.

The eSports Facility, just inside the Gearbox bar, within the Junior Rates Amenities Centre, is one of the first to be established within the RN and was formed with the assistance of the RNVGEA, and charitable donations from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and the Sports Lottery.
 
Video gaming can play an important role in honing reflexes, sharpening tactical thinking, developing problem solving skills, and boost focus. It can also be taken to another level, calling for teamwork and discipline. Competitive video gaming is called eSports, (electronic sports), and is becoming increasingly popular, diverse, and recognised for its mental fitness and other benefits.
 
Competitive tournaments usually consist of amateur or professional gamers competing against one another for prizes and rewards. In the RN, we currently have over 150 members playing, from casual players to regular gamers, and those competing nationally in Tri-Service events and competitions.
 
The HMS Sultan Esports Club, will help operate the new eSports facility, encouraging others to join the community, for online PC and console gaming on site, whilst also developing future capability within HMS Sultan.
 
Club coordinator, Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician Andrew Elliott said: “eSports is a growing community of competitive gamers, and it’s great that HMS Sultan has embraced it.

“The Club is open to all personnel interested in gaming and Esports regardless of level and platform format. We will be open alternate weeknights and each Saturday with both competitive and casual gamers welcome.
 
“Having plenty of machines mean that many people can play together in a specially set up environment, adding to the immersive experience. Our thanks go to the RN Video Games and Esports Association, the RNRMC and RN Sports Lottery for all their support which made this possible.”
 

The RNVEGEA, welcomes gamers of all abilities from across the Service and offers regular training sessions for people who would like to try gaming as something new, as well as those wanting to hone their skills for competition.

Fielding teams for many of the most popular video games such as: Valorant, Counter Strike Global Offensive, Call of Duty, League of Legends, Formula 1, Starcraft and many more, with members also representing the RN at eSports events.

Honorary President of the RNVGEA, Captain Suzi Nielsen OBE said: “eSports provide our people with an ability to communicate with each other and to build new friendships, giving them something different to do outside the working day which offers a bit of escapism, but with a massive collaborative element to it all.

“People connect really well online and it’s something that our people really respond to. It reflects what people are doing outside of the wider military, so why wouldn’t we want our people to be part of it?

“A big BZ (well done) to the people here at Sultan who have supported bringing this facility in, making the time and space to make a fantastic community hub to be involved with.”

To find out more or to get in touch visit:
https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/navyfit/sports/other-activities/esports