Intel has been named as the official headline sponsor of the British University Esports Championship ©NSE

Intel has been named as the official headline sponsor of the British University Esports Championship.

The technology giant has signed a long-term partnership with the country's first esports governing body, National Student Esports (NSE).

It follows the first season of the British University Esports Championship last year which saw nearly 600 teams take part.

Games including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends were contested.

The University of Warwick were ultimately crowned Esports University of the Year and will bid to defend their title when the second season begins in October.

"Intel is committed to the future of esports, which as well as creating new technology means supporting grassroots university leagues in hosting major tournaments and investing in the ideas, communities, and talent we believe in," said Scott Gillingham, the UK gaming and esports Lead at Intel UK.

Esports are growing in popularity with discussion about possible Olympic inclusion in the future ©Getty Images
Esports are growing in popularity with discussion about possible Olympic inclusion in the future ©Getty Images

Other partners of NSE include energy drink Monster and gaming charity Special Effect.

Intel, a member of the International Olympic Committee's top-tier sponsorship programme, hosted an esports tournament before the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics.

Whether esports could one day join the Olympic programme remains a topic for debate.

They have been showcased at various events, including the Minsk 2019 European Games last month, and will also be featured on the sidelines of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

In May, the National Collegiate Athletic Association decided not to govern college esports in the United States.