EStars is proud to announce we have been awarded Secondary Resource Supplier of the Year at the GESS Awards 2025 for the BTEC in Esports, accredited by Pearson Education. This recognition represents far more than a single achievement. It marks a defining moment in how schools across MENA are preparing young people for the fast growing global esports industry.
This award highlights the growing importance of developing the next generation of talent who will support, grow and sustain esports in the years ahead.
Empowering the Next Generation to Build the Future of Esports
The BTEC in Esports was created with a clear purpose; to give students not only the knowledge but the employable skills that map directly to one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Rather than focusing purely on gameplay, the EStars BTEC in Esports develops a broad foundation of real world skills, including communication, leadership, digital literacy, performance analysis and project coordination. Through the qualification, students gain both an understanding of the esports industry and the transferable capabilities required for careers across the wider digital and creative economy. The qualification is already helping learners identify their strengths, build confidence and see tangible pathways into careers that include marketing, event management, PR, casting and many more that genuinely excite them.
This GESS Award affirms that esports is no longer a fringe hobby within education. It represents a meaningful, career aligned pathway that helps young people connect their passion to the global future of work.
Supporting National Ambitions in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
The timing of this recognition is especially significant. Through the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, the emirate aims to contribute one billion dollars to its GDP and create thirty thousand jobs within the gaming and esports sectors.
This regional momentum is mirrored in both AD Gaming, the Abu Dhabi based initiative bringing the Emirate’s gaming, esports and game development ecosystem together, and Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy. This long term programme is designed to establish the Kingdom as a global centre for game development and professional esports. AD Gaming is investing strongly in talent ecosystem development, studio attraction and education pathways, while the Saudi strategy includes more than eighty major initiatives and targets the creation of thirty nine thousand jobs and a contribution of approximately thirteen point three billion dollars to their GDP by 2030. Together, these authoritative programmes reinforce the wider Gulf commitment to building sustainable, future ready careers in gaming and esports.
To achieve government objectives, a skilled and future ready talent pipeline is required, including graduates who understand production, operations, content creation, event support, analysis and management. By embedding accredited esports education in schools, EStars is helping prepare the students who will take on these roles in the coming decade.
As Leyla Sabet, Head of Education at EStars, explains:
“As the esports industry is growing at a vast rate, we need young people who can grow with it. Our work isn’t about teaching gaming; it’s about building the future workforce that will power this industry.”
Students studying the BTEC are not just learning about esports. They are preparing to become part of the industry itself.
This is what makes the GESS Award so powerful. It recognises education that does not only teach knowledge but builds careers, future skills and industry ready capability.
As Leyla continues:
“Educational Esports offers students something real, real skills, real experiences and real future routes. This award is a testament to the power of connecting learning with opportunity.”
Looking Ahead: Building the Future Together
This recognition marks the beginning of an even bigger chapter for esports education. With demand growing and national strategy supporting rapid industry expansion, EStars is committed to:
- Deepening industry linked learning
- Expanding esports pathways across schools
- Supporting teachers with specialist training
- Ensuring students develop the capabilities required by modern creative and digital industries
The future of esports will not only be shaped by players and developers. It will be built by the young people sitting in classrooms today.
Learn More About Esports Qualifications
Interested in our Esports Qualifications? Find out more here:
Further Reading:
- Dubai Student Earns Distinction in EStars BTEC in Esports – A Story of Passion and Perseverance
- The EStars BTEC Level 2 in Esports Is Transforming How Secondary Schools Prepare Students for the Careers of Tomorrow