UK Call of Duty esports organisation Katana Gaming has announced that it has ceased its operations.
The organisation fielded a roster in Call of Duty Challengers and also hosted a range of amateur esports events within the UK at the time of the announcement.
In an X post published on April 15th, 2025, the orgainsation’s CEO cited ‘a combination of personal and business-related reasons’ behind the closure of the organisation founded in 2020.
The post also claims the state of the esports industry within the UK and Europe is ‘unrewarding, draining and in many ways, unsustainable.’
Said Katana Heffy, CEO of Katana Gaming: “To everyone who’s been part of Katana Gaming or supported us along the way, thank you.
“Maybe Katana will return one day. But for now, to our staff, members, creators, players and everyone in the community, take care and good luck in whatever comes next.”
Prior to its closure, Katana Gaming will continue to support the upcoming ESHUB LAN event taking place in June in addition to fielding its roster in European Challengers Elite and the Miami Open before being released to seek new opportunities.
What’s Next for UK Call of Duty?
The closure of Katana Gaming is a significant hit for the Call of Duty esports scene in the UK. With the Call of Duty League (CDL) providing minimal support to its amateur circuit, a reduction in grassroots initiatives will hinder the next generation of talent aspiring to become a professional player.
Call of Duty remains one of the most popular first-person shooter titles in the world and will feature twice as part of the 2025 Esports World Cup taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Katana Gaming says there is a possibility of the organisation returning in the future, but for now, amateur Call of Duty esports in the UK is struggling.
