Guild Esports has announced that it will be closing, just a week after reports that the organisation was put up for sale on an insolvency marketplace. The announcement comes a year after Guild was acquired by US investor DCB Sports.
In a post on X on 21 August 2025, Guild stated: “After careful consideration, we must share the difficult news that Guild Esports & Gaming will be closing.” The organisation added: “Despite our best efforts, financial challenges and the current economic climate have made it impossible for us to continue operating.
“We recognise that this closure disappoints the community that believed in us, and for that we are sorry. This outcome is also not a reflection of the support of all our partners who supported our work in the esports space alongside us over the past five years.
“To everyone who became part of the Guild family, from our fans and players to staff and partners – thank you. Your passion and belief helped us build something truly special,” the company concluded.
The closure has also raised concerns among creators, players, and other collaborators associated with Guild Esports regarding outstanding debts. Reports indicate that some individuals are owed unpaid prize money or fees.
Founded in September 2019 as The Lords eSports PLC, Guild Esports became the first esports organisation in the UK to list on the London Stock Exchange in 2020, raising approximately £20 million through its IPO. The company rebranded as Guild Esports and operated competitive teams across a variety of titles.
High-profile backing came in June 2020 when football legend David Beckham invested £250,000 and became a co-owner. The organisation secured notable sponsorships with brands including Sky, Subway, Samsung, and Coca-Cola.
However, Guild’s financial performance struggled. By early 2024, losses had accumulated to around £2 million, and its share price had plummeted more than 90 per cent. The company faced “material uncertainty” regarding its ability to continue as a going concern, with cash reserves dwindling and losses mounting.
In October 2024, DCB Sports acquired Guild’s assets in return for assuming in excess of £2 million in liabilities and paying £100,000 in cash. The deal effectively took the company private and removed it from the stock market. Under new ownership, Guild attempted to pivot: it acquired fan-engagement platform Encore, took a stake in Ginx TV, and launched grassroots sim racing initiatives in partnership with Drive Lounge in London.
Despite these efforts, financial pressures persisted. By August 2025, Guild Esports was placed on an insolvency marketplace and ultimately announced its closure.
