National esports centre opening puts Cork 'on global stage of gaming', says Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Kayls Cole, Formula 1000 racing driver and Daire McCormack, professional esports driver on Logitech Pro Racing SIMs at the official opening of Ireland's first dedicated esports complex, the National Esports Centre, in partnership with gaming studio VOID Interactive in Cork. Picture: Gerard McCarthy
Ireland’s growing gaming industry has marked another milestone with the opening of the country’s first dedicated esports complex in Cork city.
Located on South Mall, the National Esports Centre reflects a €1m investment in gaming infrastructure, with the new complex also creating 10 new jobs along with further positions available in gaming, media and technology expected as the centre expands.
The hub will be used by professional esports athletes, aspiring gamers, developers, gaming researchers and students. The hub is also home to WYLDE, Ireland’s first professional esports academy, which was founded in Cork in 2021, and will also serve as a digital media and gaming camp for students.
Speaking on the centre’s official opening, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The National Esports Centre is a first for Ireland and marks a major milestone for the gaming sector in this country.” “This innovative hub will offer unparalleled facilities in gaming, media and digital technology, and I’m delighted it will place Cork on the global stage of gaming.” The National Esports Centre will also serve as a training ground for Irish esports teams preparing for major global competitions. Irish and international delegations will train at the centre for events such as the European Esports Championships in July 2025, the World Esports Championships, the Global Esports Games, and the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027.
The gaming industry continues to experience rapid growth, with global video game revenue—including esports—reaching almost $228bn in 2023, a 4.6% increase from the previous year.
This trajectory places revenue on track to exceed $300bn by 2028, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the entertainment and media industry, according to a recent PWC Report on Global Entertainment & Media 2024-2028.
Steve Daly, Ireland Esports Chair and WYLDE CEO added: “The National Esports Centre is a game-changer for Ireland, both nationally and internationally.
“This facility will drive the esports 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 esports development both in Ireland and globally.” Ireland-based studio, VOID Interactive, the developers behind the popular game title Ready or Not, have also partnered with the National Esports Centre.
“As an Irish-based gaming studio, we are thrilled to partner with the National Esports Centre to focus on their endeavour in building and developing a world-class hub for professional gamers,” said Philip Nathan CFO of VOID Interactive.
"We are focused on building a lasting partnership that further strengthens the gaming footprint in Ireland, providing a haven for groundbreaking ideas to flourish".
