 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Esports |
| Founded | September 3, 2019 (2019-09-03) |
| Defunct | August 21, 2025 (2025-08-21) |
| Fate | Financial challenges |
| Headquarters | 2 Chance Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6JT, United Kingdom[1] |
Key people |
|
| Owner | DCB Sports |
| Website | Official website |
Guild Esports & Gaming LTD (formerlyThe Lords eSports PLC, Guild Esports PLC) was aUnited Kingdom-based professionalesports company founded in 2019. The organisation was the first esports firm to be publicly traded in the United Kingdom, before being fully acquired by US-based sports companyDCB Sports in October 2024, and delisting from the London Stock Exchange. The company closed in August 2025 citing "financial challenges and the current economic climate" as the reasoning behind their decision.[2]
Guild had competitive teams in titles includingFortnite,FC 25,Sim Racing (Rennsport,iRacing),PUBG Mobile. In addition to its competitive teams, Guild operated as a creative agency with an in-house studio, delivering campaigns that help brands reach a gaming audience. Past collaborations include campaigns for theWicked movie,Karate Kid Legends, andWild Robot. Guild also ran a Women in Gaming initiative with Sky calledThe Lobby - a mission to create more opportunities for women in the gaming community.
History
Guild Esports was incorporated on 3 September 2019 under the name The Lords eSports PLC.[3] The company launched publicly in 2020 and listed on theLondon Stock Exchange (LSE), raising £20 million in its IPO.[4]
In 2022, Guild signed a 10-year lease on a 9,831 sq ft facility in Shoreditch, London, which became their official HQ and training facility.[5]
In 2024, Guild joined theEsports World Cup’s Club Support Program, receiving a stipend to expand into multiple titles. That same year, Guild acquiredEncore and a stake inGinx TV, further expanding its media presence.
In October 2024, Guild Esports was acquired by DCB Sports, a US-based sports group, transitioning from a publicly traded company to a private one.
The company closed in August 2025 citing "financial challenges and the current economic climate" as the reasoning behind their decision.[6]
Guild operated in eleven titles:
Guild won multiple major trophies across games, including theFortnite Champion Series and theRocket League EU Spring Regional. In March 2025, Guild won the inauguralRacing Prodigy P3 Championship in Sim Racing.
Former sponsors include:
Guild Esports was fully owned by DCB Sports. In 2024, Guild acquired: