Whilst they announced their intention to expand to the UK only a few months ago, US-born Valhallan, the largest youth esports franchise, has already signed its first British franchisees. Childhood friends turned entrepreneurs, Dr Amit Sra and Vivek Behl, look forward to launching the first-ever Valhallan arena on this side of the Atlantic in early 2023.
When the first UK arena opens its doors in Ealing, it will provide local young gamers with an engaging programme that balances education and competition, whilst also teaching notable life skills such as sportsmanship and teamwork. Former teacher and father of two, Vivek will use his background in education to make Valhallan’s first UK arena a place for young people to learn new skills whilst meeting like-minded people.
“What first attracted me to Valhallan was the brand’s belief that gaming can be a means for creating a community for young people,” said Vivek. “Valhallan provides a place where parents can feel assured that their child is in a safe environment that enables them to succeed, meet new people and establish skills for any future career.”
Valhallan launched in the US earlier this year, recognising the lack of existing programmes that showed young people and parents that video games could truly enrich lives and create a community. Vivek and Amit are the first to respond to this demand for dedicated esports education in the UK that teaches gaming and life skills in a fun, safe and inclusive space.
“There is such a huge demographic of young people who love video games, and there is a growing demand from parents and players for healthy outlets, made clear by the brand’s success in the US,” added Vivek. “Valhallan’s fantastic business model and the lack of such spaces in the UK meant we were confident that the success seen in the US could be attained here.”
For the medical doctor and fellow father of two, Amit recognised how important the facilities Valhallan provide are in connecting young people.
“After witnessing how the world reacted to the pandemic and how playing video games in our homes was one of the ways that young people could stay in touch, I noticed there was a need for an inclusive and engaging space where young gamers can connect,” explained Amit. “Our overarching aim is to bring a community spirit into play and make our arena a pivotal place where young people can network and socialise while learning valuable gaming and life skills.”
With Amit and Vivek’s educational and medical backgrounds, the pair saw the vast opportunity to help young people in the UK. Now, both look to break the stigma surrounding gamers and make their arena a social hub for young players, no matter their background.
“It’s really important for us to focus on the emotional wellness of young people as well as teaching them the physical skillset of gaming and esports,” said Vivek. “There are many young people on the spectrum and others who struggle to connect with peers, so our intention behind Valhallan is to encourage individuals to come out of their shells and socialise with others in a supported environment that helps build their confidence.”
David Graham, CEO of Valhallan, has had a lot to celebrate this year after a successful launch in the US and the recent acquisitions of NXT UP Esports, the United Federation of Esports Athletes and the North American Esports League. With the first UK franchisees signed up, the brand further solidifies itself as the largest youth esports franchise.
“Bringing Valhallan to the UK is an exciting step for our brand, and Amit and Vivek launching the first arena here is another big milestone for us,” said David. “The need for a destination-based esports hub for young people who love gaming that combines education and competition has been evident in the US. Nothing like Valhallan exists currently in the UK, and I’m thrilled to see our first franchisees respond to this demand, guiding players to realise their potential across the pond.”
By launching in the Greater London area, Vivek and Amit can see the potential for growth due to its vast gamer population and are already setting their sights on the future. “Ealing is just the beginning for us,” said Amit. “After our first location is up and running, we hope to open another six arenas across the region. 2023 is looking to be an exciting year!”
With its first franchisees signed up and plans for further expansion in the UK, now is the time to embrace the esports revolution and become involved in improving young people’s lives.
