What is the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series?

It’s the official intervarsity esports league for the island of Ireland. Over 800 students from 16 universities and colleges competed last year, making it the biggest esports competition on the island.

When does the Collegiate Series run each academic year?

Two semesters — Winter (Oct-Dec) and Spring (Feb–Apr). Finals are online and played the same night as the proceeding round matches.

Which days are matches played?

Monday to Thursday, starting at 8pm. No more Friday fixtures.

What is the Premier Division?

A new top tier for 25/26, mirroring “First Team” structures in traditional sports (like varsity rugby or football). It’s where each university fields its strongest representative team.

Which games are included in the Premier Division?

Rocket League, Valorant, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike 2.

How many teams can my university or college enter?

One official representative team per title.

What makes the Premier Division different?

Full national broadcasts (Mon–Thu), LAN National Finals in May, and recognition as the university’s top team. The focus is high performance, visibility, and varsity-level standards.

Why was the Premier Division created?

To elevate esports to the same status as other top-tier student sports, we believe that this format will help to increase awareness of esports within the competing institutions and create a reason to start seeking more support for the Societies, players and coaches etc.

What is the Open Division?

The continuation of last year’s structure — inclusive, social, and designed for all players, from casual gamers to second teams building toward Premier level.

Which games are included in the Open Division?

All Premier Division titles plus Teamfight Tactics, Overwatch, EA FC (Winter only), and F1 (Winter only).

How many teams can we enter in the Open Division?

Multiple teams are allowed per university/college.

What makes the Open Division special?

It’s society-driven. Matches often feature community casting, more students get to participate, and it’s the best place to grow campus culture and friendships through esports.

Do Open Division teams still get finals?

Yes. Semester finals are online, on the same night as the preceding rounds and these games will be broadcast live.

Can I play for a university or college I don’t attend?

• Premier Division: No. Only current students of the university/college can represent that institution. This aligns with European collegiate esports rules and ensures integrity at the top level.

• Open Division: Yes. The rules are unchanged from last year — cross-institution rosters are still allowed, making it easier for societies to include more players.

Why is the Premier Division stricter?

The Premier Division is our new top tier, designed to mirror “First Team” structures in traditional sport. To compete at that level, teams must be true representatives of their institution — just like rugby, football, or basketball.

What if my university or college can’t field a full Premier Division roster?

You can still enter teams into the Open Division where flexible rosters are allowed. Over time, as we work with Societies to build bigger and stronger player bases, we expect more to start fielding Premier Division teams.

How does this help esports grow on campus?

By aligning Premier Division rules with wider European standards, universities and colleges can confidently recognise their esports teams as official “representative squads.” We expect this to help unlock conversations about access to facilities, funding and visibility within the institution — just like other varsity sports.

Can I play in both divisions?

Yes, but only within your own university/college. Example: You could represent your college in Premier Division Rocket League while also playing in Open Division Teamfight Tactics under the same institution.

Why keep flexibility in the Open Division?

The Open Division is about participation, society culture and fun. Allowing imports here means more students can play, even if their own institution can’t field a full roster.

Will alumni ever be able to play in the Collegiate Series?

We have allowed Graduates to return and play in selected titles. This flexibility is limited to the Open Division on a series-by-series basis.