New esports gaming venue – leveltap – opens at Liverpool ONE and the founders say it creates a ‘world class’ hub for gamers and esports enthusiasts. Tony McDonough reports

Esports gaming venue leveltap has opened its doors at Liverpool ONE with the opening night seeing gamers, tech leaders and even the Metro Mayor in attendance.

Located in Hanover Street, leveltap provides a base for gaming and esports spectating. It will also host and broadcast live events from around the world. 

Across two levels, as well as a bar, dining area and lounge, leveltap features 10 console stations, all containing a Nintendo Switch and either a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, along with two racing simulators and 20 PCs.

A mezzanine level has been designed for streamers and competing teams from which their gameplay can be broadcast onto projectors and TVs around the venue, with a lower level arena seating more than 100 people.

It has been opened by entrepreneurs Adam Rydings and Callum Wilson. Adam said: “With leveltap we’ve created a community hub united by a shared love of gaming, from casual gamers to aspiring professionals and content creators.

“The fusion of a social atmosphere with a sports bar, LAN centre, split screen sofa-style gaming, retro and racing sim arcade, events space and esports arena sets our concept apart.

“With the support of ASUS and their Republic of Gamers’ line of tech, and Ebuyer’s skilled PC builders at AphaSync, we’ve been able to create a best in class gaming space which we believe will help put the city on the worldwide esports map.”

A number of Liverpool’s leading game developers attended the launch including Avalanche, Ripstone, Fallen Planet, Milky Tea and Playstation.

Other guests included l esports player, Liverpool’s own Jukeyz, educators from the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, City of Liverpool College and SAE Institute and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.

Callum added: “Gaming is more than just a hobby, it’s also a platform for personal growth, teamwork, and creativity.

“So, our aim is also to collaborate with schools, colleges, universities and organisations to provide educational workshops, career guidance, and mentoring programmes to nurture the next generation of gaming, streaming and content creation talent.”

Leveltap was fitted out and delivered by Liverpool-based The Momentum Group with menus designed by the city’s Lucky Penny Group.

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Rob Deacon, senior asset manager at Liverpool ONE owners Grosvenor, added: “Leveltap’s debut venue is yet another unique opening at Liverpool ONE that provides further reasons to visit or extend a trip to the destination.

“Bringing a standalone esports venue to the city for the first time, the launch of leveltap reaffirms Liverpool ONE’s position as the UK’s leading retail and entertainment destination.”