Inside the Premier League’s Most Successful eSports Teams

A decade ago, not many football fans would have imagined the current state of eSports. Since the first sports simulation games were released back in the 1980s and 90s, there was a clear separation between video gaming and actual sports play. They were viewed as mutually exclusive. 

However, gaming has now infiltrated the mainstream. Premier League fans and gamers regularly brush shoulders, as many are part of both demographics. In fact, the Premier League may want it this way. Over the last few years, more and more clubs across Europe have started to launch eSports teams to compete in FIFAe and other similar competitions.

The idea is simple: attract football fans who may prefer to stick to EA games, and vice versa, by creating OTT eSports branches. While moving from gaming simulation to the real thing might seem a bit odd, the idea has proved successful in other areas.

For example, poker players who enjoy online games are also likely to enjoy playing in person. On the other hand, players who have only ever played their hand live might be attracted to the convenience of virtual play. By offering both live and online options, players have more ways to interact with their favorite game than ever before.

The same goes for Premier League teams and their eSports branches. Let’s dive into the league’s most successful teams.

Manchester City

Man City was one of the first Premier League clubs to jump on the eSports train. With plenty of funds to spare, City launched its first virtual gaming squad back in 2016. They signed on some of the most competitive players in FIFA, including Kieran ‘Kez’ Brown and Marcus ‘ExpectSporting’ Jorgensen. 

After success with its two-man team, Man City expanded last year in 2021 to start building a competitive Fortnite Battle Royale team, including Aidan ‘Threats’ Mong. However, Man City has also used creative recruiting techniques to sign other players. Last year, they launched the ‘City Solos Hunt’ to identify potential players for its Fortnite team. 

Today, Manchester City Esports competes in FIFA and Fortnite. The club has teams in the UK, China, and South Korea.

West Ham United

Man City wasn’t the only Premier League team looking to join the eSports craze. In fact, back in 2016, West Ham became the first official Premier League team to sign on a professional gamer with the acquisition of Sean ‘Dragonn’ Allen.

Dragonn then went on to finish second in one of the first globally-aired FIFA Interactive World Cup. For this feat in his inaugural season, Dragonn was given an official squad number (50). Today, West Ham Gaming competes in FIFA and Fortnite, like Manchester City.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Move over Man City and West Ham—the Premier League’s most expansive eSports team belongs to the Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wolves Esports compete in multiple leagues across Europe and beyond, which includes teams that play Rainbow Six Siege, FIFA Online, Identity V, Honor of Kings, Naraka, QQ Speed, Call of Duty: Mobile, and other content creators who stream their gaming exploits. 

The Wolves Esports division has been so successful that the success and profitability of these teams is now on par with its men’s and women’s teams. In fact, the Wolves have been successful enough within eSports that they attracted a huge partnership with Evil Geniuses last year.

Beyond the Premier League: FC Barcelona, AFC Ajax, & Besiktas

Along with the Premier League clubs mentioned above, other hyper-competitive eSports teams can be found in Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands. For example, Besitkas competes in Turkey’s Superliga and last appeared in the Europa League in 2016/17. The team was also one of the first football teams to explore eSports, including their League of Legends team. That’s because Besiktas has active basketball and athletic departments, along with its football and eSports teams.

The same goes for FC Barcelona and AFC Ajax. FC Barcelona focuses more on eFootball than on FIFAe, along with League of Legends. Meanwhile, Ajax keeps its focus on FIFAe. Specifically, the club uses a grassroots method to sign on local talent, similar to City’s campaign in the UK.