Royal Navy gamers in rapture at contest

Members of the Royal Navy Video Gaming and Esports Association (RNVGEA) took part in the Medway Gaming and Creative Festival – Rapture 22 – at the historic dockyard in Chatham, Kent.

The 600-strong association used the event to showcase what they have to offer, as well as inform the public what Esports in the Armed Forces mean.

People of all ages were in attendance to explore and play their way through decades of interactive gaming, from World of Warships to League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League and more.  

The Navy was particularly popular this year, engaging with new players of all ages. Offering coaching to first-time players, engaging with visitors who were able to use the Vertical Take Off and Landing simulator, as well as the virtual reality one-to-one air-to-air combat simulator.

The team also offered visitors the chance to sail around Portsmouth Harbour in the PAC 24 simulator.

Teams from the Royal Marines and British Army also took part, with the latter winning Valorant.

All the action was streamed on the Royal Navy Esports Twitch channel.

AB James Kernick, who on top of his day-to-day role, went above and beyond to get everything planned, organised, set-up, transported and continually running through the weekend. 

Alongside everything gaming, the team were also proud to represent the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

Chair of the RNVGEA Cdr Gordon Jones said:  “I very much have my proud dad hat on right now, I couldn’t be happier. 

“Rapture is one of the most popular events for gamers in the UK, getting the chance to go and do what our members enjoy whilst letting the public know that being in the military and being into gaming aren't mutually exclusive is a fantastic opportunity.”