National e-sports centre opens in Cork

Centre represents a €1m investment in state-of-the-art gaming infrastructure

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Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Kayls Cole and Daire McCormack

Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially opened Ireland’s first dedicated esports complex, the National Esports Centre in Cork, marking a major milestone for the country’s video gaming industry, digital education and tech sector.

The centre represents a €1 million investment in gaming infrastructure, with the creation of 10 new jobs and further positions available in gaming, media and digital technology expected as the centre continues to expand.

Located on South Mall in the centre of Cork City, the National Esports Centre is home to a range of state-of-the-art facilities, including the Wylde Academy powered by Virgin Media, a racing lounge in collaboration with Williams Esports, and a tournament zone equipped for national and international esports competition.

The Centre will be a hub for professional esports athletes, aspiring gamers, developers, gaming researchers, students and innovators. With its best-in-class facilities, including the WYLDE professional esports academy, digital media and gaming camps for students, as well as partnerships with education and research organisations, the National Esports Centre is committed to developing the gaming sector in Ireland.

Steve Daly, Ireland Esports Chair & Wylde CEO said: “The National Esports Centre is a game-changer for Ireland, both nationally and internationally. This facility will drive the e-sports industry and ecosystem in Ireland forward through innovation, education and community engagement, all within a world-class facility here in Cork. Our focus on dynamic teaching environments, collaborative learning and innovation, sustainable career pathways and a responsible culture will ensure that the National Esports Centre stands at the forefront of e-sports development both in Ireland and globally.”

The gaming industry continues to experience rapid growth, with global video game revenue—including esports – reaching $227.6 billion in 2023, a 4.6% increase from the previous year. This trajectory places revenue on track to exceed $300 billion by 2028, solidifying gaming as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the entertainment and media industry, according to a recent PWC Report on Global Entertainment & Media 2024-2028.

TechCentral Reporters

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