Two life-long friends, a passion for gaming and e-sports and special offers with pizza company, there is literally nothing not to love about Blink Arena.

Based in Riverside Trading Estate in Douglas, Blink is run by Leon Teare and Harry Dale.

The story of Blink Arena began in 2021 when Harry and Leon and their company Isle of Man Esports League were involved with esports tournaments, with one of their biggest events featuring 60 players.

Harry said: ‘We had casters from the UK doing casting for us, we were observing highlights, the whole shebang, like you would do with a proper big esports tournament.’

While they were happy with that, as luck would have it, Leon contacted their now landlord who was looking for a tenant so they went down and within hours they were signing on the dotted line.

Harry said: ‘We knew that if we didn’t take this opportunity to build up a place for people who are passionate about esports, or about PC gaming, or even casual gaming and VR, then we’d be missing the opportunity to provide something that we didn’t have.

‘I feel like it’s like a responsibility thing, we have the opportunity to do this let’s do it and so now here we are, with our 10 gaming PCs all fitted out for esports, for doing watch parties and all sorts of things, even corporate events or just chilling with your mates.

‘It’s been an inspiring journey coming this far.’

As well as the esports computers, Blink also has a very cool interactive table and space for watch parties.

Leon and Harry not only host pro gamers, Blink has so far proved popular with businesses looking for a different day out and for parents looking for a different sort of kids’ party (which can benefit from a deal on pizzas).