When a 16‑year‑old from Leeds pulls a phone out of his backpack and the screen lights up with a frantic tap‑to‑shoot game, he’s not just playing for fun. He’s stepping into a world where a single swipe can earn him a spot on a national team.

cazeus — Mobile esports in the UK has moved from a niche pastime to a mainstream phenomenon. Last year, the UK’s mobile esports tournament circuit saw a 35 % increase in registered teams, and the average prize pool for a regional championship climbed from £1,200 to £2,500.