NSE (National Student Esports) has announced Vita Student as its new headline partner for the 2026/27 academic cycle, marking an entry into the esports sector for the premium accommodation brand.

The partnership will see Vita Student take naming rights for both the NSE organisation and its flagship competition, the British University Esports Championship (BUEC). The collaboration aims to enhance the competitive experience for thousands of students across the UK through year-round activations, exclusive content, and increased investment in live finals.

The deal follows a transformative period for NSE, which was acquired by the Esports Global fund in late 2025 and is now managed by the British Esports Federation.

By aligning with a major housing provider, NSE seeks to further integrate competitive gaming into the broader student lifestyle. The BUEC currently remains one of Europe’s largest grassroots leagues, with the 2024/25 season involving over 17,800 players from 117 universities. Vita Student will now be integrated into all official broadcasts and events, providing a bridge between students’ living environments and their competitive pursuits.

Global Esports Industry Week (GEIW) will return in 2026 with a bigger and bolder edition, taking place across 18–21 June in Cologne, Germany, alongside IEM Cologne. The schedule and details about ticket sales are available in this link.

Regarding the strategic value of the partnership, Tom Dore, Managing Director at NSE, stated: “Working with Vita Student as our headline partner allows us to invest further into our competitions, improve the experience for our players, and continue building a sustainable pathway for student esports.”

The move reflects a growing trend of brands connected to hospitality and accommodation investing in esports. Vita Student, which operates high-end residences in major university cities, views the partnership as a way to foster community and connectivity among its residents.

Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer at Vita Student, added: “We know how important it is for students to feel connected and inspired during their studies. NSE has shown incredible dedication to building an authentic, inclusive community for like-minded students, and we’re proud to support and strengthen grassroots esports through this partnership.”

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