UK Football League Embraces eSports With New Virtual Cup

The English Premier League has launched the eReplica Cup, a nationwide competition inviting both amateur and pro gamers to compete in virtual representations of Premier League matches using state-of-the-art simulation software. The tournament—featuring a knockout format—will culminate in a live-streamed final at Wembley Stadium with a substantial prize pool and broadcast deal with major networks. With eSports dominating youth engagement, this fusion of traditional sport and digital competition aims to deepen fan participation. Sports federations in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal are exploring parallels with their own domestic leagues to integrate gaming cultures into football development.