Guild Esports, the UK-based esports organisation once famously backed by football legend David Beckham, has officially announced its closure. Citing “financial challenges” and the wider economic climate, the organisation will cease operations following an unsuccessful attempt to sell the company.
Guild Esports Closes Its Doors After Five Years
In a statement released via social media, Guild Esports & Gaming Limited confirmed that the company would be shutting down after failing to find a path forward:
“Despite our best efforts, financial challenges and the current economic climate have made it impossible for us to continue operating.”
The organisation, which was reportedly listed for sale on an insolvency market on August 14th, 2025, was unable to attract a buyer in time to salvage its operations. The shutdown has sparked widespread concern across the esports and creator community, especially among those who are still awaiting payments.
Unpaid Invoices and Community Outcry
Several female content creators and esports professionals affiliated with Guild Esports have taken to social platforms to voice concerns about unpaid invoices, with growing fears that those payments will now go unresolved.
Esports host Frankie Ward shared her perspective on the situation:
“Unfortunately, insolvency means they probably won’t – I feel for the staff who don’t have jobs anymore, but I also think we deserve some information.”
This sentiment is shared by many in the community, who are calling for greater transparency and accountability following the company’s collapse.
From Market Trailblazer to Financial Collapse
Founded in 2020, Guild Esports entered the scene with major ambitions and star power, thanks to its association with Beckham. The organisation quickly signed commercial deals with brands like Sky and Subway, positioning itself as a leading force in the UK’s growing esports ecosystem.
Later that year, Guild made headlines by becoming the first esports organisation to be publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange — a historic move that brought attention, but also high expectations.
Despite raising funds over time, the company struggled with sustainability. Over the years, its stock value declined, and financial instability became an increasing concern. In October 2024, Guild was acquired by US-based investment group DCB Sports LLC for just £100,000, along with £2 million in assumed liabilities — a telling sign of its deteriorating financial state.
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