The first-ever Welsh language Esports competition has been held at the National Eisteddfod.
Known as the Esteddfod, the innovative event was designed to promote the use of the Welsh language in new and exciting arenas, bringing a modern twist to a traditional celebration.
A total of 16 teams of players, aged from eight to 30, came head-to-head as they played Rocket League and EA FC24 in front of an audience. Prizes included £1,000, football kits, tickets to Wales vs Turkey, and a bespoke Esteddfod crown trophy.
The year after Esports became an Olympic event, the team behind this event said they felt it was essential to show that there is a space for the Welsh language within a sector that saw a worldwide audience of almost 500,000,000 in 2023.
M-SParc’s Managing Director, Pryderi ap Rhisiart, said:
“We’re passionate about supporting young people to use Welsh in everyday life, and it’s fantastic to combine this with a thriving industry such as gaming. The final was a culmination of months of work, regional events across Wales, and collaboration with partners including the Football Association of Wales, S4C, and the Eisteddfod themselves. To see an audience of Welsh speakers cheering on a team of Welsh players, while commentators including footballer Kath Morgan gave a running commentary in Welsh, was electrifying. The Welsh language belongs in gaming, and Esports belongs in the Eisteddfod.”
Welsh learner and football legend, Joe Ledley, attended the event to cheer the teams on and speak to some of the competitors, and the whole event was streamed live on S4C’s Hansh channel, using Streams+. Streams+ is a streaming platform developed by Haia Communications Ltd, a company established at M-SParc in 2020, and they were the team that made the production of the event possible on the day as viewers in the tent and online saw game footage, player reactions, and winning goals in real time.
Presenter Ameer Davies-Rana kept the crowd going all evening, and commentators Gav Murphy, a gaming expert, and Kath Morgan, an ex pro footballer, ensured that everyone was able to follow along.
Ameer said:
“Every category has gone for it, under 16, and 16 and over, which is really good to see. If you think about it, young people play games at home, but this is a good way for them to get their social skills, all in Welsh which is even more special, because of course they are making history today. Hopefully there’s enough excitement to do it next year – we’ve got to do it again.”
The FAW, a partner in the event, said:
“The FAW was proud to support the Esteddfod, showcasing innovation in the field of football video games. The Welsh language was used naturally and positively throughout the event, showing once again how football can bring people together and promote a positive and thriving culture. We are excited to see where the Esteddfod goes in the future, and the FAW will be sure to follow to continue ensuring innovation and developments in football continue in Wales, in Welsh.”
Iwan Hywel, from Menter Iaith Gwynedd, said:
“Having the Welsh language in the digital world is terribly important. Children and young people live their lives online and therefore the Welsh language must be online. The Gwynedd Language Initiative is proud to be a small part of these developments, together with M-SParc and all the partners, and we hope to collaborate more in the future.”
The winners were from all over Wales. Aaron, William, and Eleias from Caernarfon took home a Playstation each as champions of the Under 16s Rocket League game, and Deio Roberts of Cardiff won a signed Wales football shirt for his victory in the Under 16s EAFC24 games. For the 16 and overs, a team from Carmarthenshire made up of Jack, Benji, Kian and Tyler won the Rocket League prize of a Playstation and tickets for Wales vs Turkey. Finally, the night was brought to a close as Cerith Dennis from Aberdare won £750 for EAFC24. All the teams also took home a bespoke Esteddfod trophy.
This pioneering event was made possible by the ARFOR Challenge Fund, which is committed to promoting the Welsh language and fostering Welsh spaces. Organisers said the Esteddfod competition was a clear demonstration that the Welsh language is not only alive but thriving in a contemporary context.
Pryderi ap Rhisiart said;
“Why shouldn’t we play Esports in Welsh? This is a living, modern language that belongs in every aspect of our lives—including gaming.”
The organisers added that the success of the Esteddfod competition at the National Eisteddfod was a testament to the adaptability and vibrancy of the Welsh language, adding that as the world of Esports continues to grow, so too does the potential for Welsh language integration in new and exciting ways. They described the Esteddfod competition as “just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for Welsh language Esports”.
