Real Madrid Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Launches £1.6M Esports Hub in Hull
Real Madrid’s star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has cut the ribbon on a state of the art £1.6 million esports and gaming center in Hull, England, signaling his bold entry into the UK’s gaming scene. Teaming up with the Federation of Sport, the Belgian international unveiled the facility in Hull’s historic Old Town at King William House, creating 50 local jobs and providing a premium space for gamers to connect and compete.
Announced in June after months of planning, the hub opens its doors to players of all levels, transforming a prime city center spot into a hub for digital entertainment and community building.
Courtois, reflecting on the project, shared: “The Federation of Sport represents everything I believe in. Using technology not just for entertainment but as a way to build communities. It’s about getting them out of their rooms and into a space where they can share their love for gaming with others.”
What Sets This Gaming Hub Apart
The Federation of Sport venue has elite features designed for immersion and competition. Visitors can dive into professional grade esports arenas equipped with top tier PC stations, swing virtual clubs on advanced golf simulators, or participate in hyper realistic sim racing setups. For group thrills, VR escape rooms and team based combat zones await and they also offer interactive darts and dedicated tournament zones.
The center’s mission is to host inclusive esports events for players across ages and abilities, ranging talent from casuals to pros. Co-founder Antonio Tombanane is bullish on its trajectory: “This is just the start. The Federation of Sport has huge potential. Launching in Hull proves we’re building something ambitious, and I can’t wait to see this grow internationally.”
Expansion is already in motion, with sites slated for Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester. Longer term visions include global outposts in Spain, the Netherlands, and the UAE, capitalizing on esports’ worldwide surge.
Courtois’ Expanding Esports Footprint
This UK debut caps a whirlwind evolution for Courtois in the gaming world. Beyond his Real Madrid duties, he owns Spanish esports outfit DUX Gaming and helms TC Esports and TC Racing. His esports squad battles in the Prodigy Racing League, while his racing arm competes in Spain’s F4 championship.
The pivot traces back to the COVID-19 lockdowns, when Courtois traded pitches for pixels, racing virtually against F1 aces like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. What began as a lockdown diversion has blossomed into a multifaceted empire.
England’s esports ecosystem is expanding rapidly, this northern gateway could position the city as a key hub. If the model succeeds, it might redefine community gaming nationwide, bridging sports stardom with digital consumers.
Since: October 29, 2025
