Guild Esports Ceases Operations After Failing to Find a Buyer

Guild Esports, the U.K.-based esports organization co-owned by soccer star David Beckham, has ceased operations after failing to find a buyer, the company announced Thursday on social media.

The closure marks the end of what was once considered Britain's premier esports organization, which made history in 2020 as the first esports company to list on the London Stock Exchange.

"After careful consideration, we must share the difficult news that Guild Esports & Gaming will be closing," the company said in a statement. "Despite our best efforts, financial challenges and the current economic climate have made it impossible for us to continue operating."

The shutdown follows Guild being put up for sale on an insolvency marketplace on Aug. 14, with no viable buyer emerging by the deadline.

The collapse has left former players, content creators and staff alleging they are owed money. Social media posts from affected parties describe unpaid prize winnings and ignored invoices.

Rise and Fall of a Public Esports Pioneer

Founded in 2020 with Beckham's backing, Guild initially attracted major sponsors including Sky and Subway. The company's public listing was seen as validation of esports' investment potential, but its stock price subsequently plummeted more than 90% from its peak.

Financial filings revealed persistent losses, with the company reporting significant financial challenges as revenue declined. The organization struggled with substantial financial obligations including sponsorship commitments.

In October 2024, U.S. investment firm DCB Sports LLC acquired Guild for £100,000 in cash plus £2 million in liabilities, providing what proved to be only a temporary lifeline. Less than a year later, the organization was back on the market through an insolvency platform.

Guild fielded teams across multiple esports titles including Apex Legends, Rocket League and sim racing. The organization's achievements included winning the FIFA eChampions League in 2022 and Fortnite's FNCS: 2021 Grand Royale – Europe.

The failure represents a high-profile casualty in what industry observers call the "esports winter," a period of economic correction that has seen organizations globally struggle with profitability. Guild's collapse is particularly notable given its celebrity backing, major sponsorships and public investment, advantages that ultimately proved insufficient to ensure financial sustainability.

The company's statement concluded: "To everyone who became part of the Guild family, from our fans and players to staff and partners, thank you. Your passion and belief helped us build something truly special."