Grete Lajal pedalled to the medal to be crowned champion of the Racers Eseries at the Women's Esports Finals last weekend.

The 30-year-old marketing professional competed in the Racers ESeries - a professional racing simulator tournament - in the UK's first-of-its-kind women's only esports initiative, hosted in the heart of Sky HQ in Isleworth, West London.

Nine of the best women drivers in the UK competed on fan favourite tracks and after topping the podium in an action-packed final and earning a professional Guild Esports and Gaming contract and a share of £50,000 prize pot, Lajal expressed her disbelief.

“I am so happy, and also surprised! I definitely didn’t know what I was getting myself into!" she said.

"I would have never thought I could participate in a race like this if it wasn’t for this event. I’m so excited about finding a new hobby where I can constantly improve at the Sky Guild Gaming Centre. Today went really well, but I know there’s so much more to come.”

The initiative was launched in April by Sky Broadband, in partnership with Guild Esports and Gaming, and their ambassador, David Beckham, with the aim of providing a platform for talented women gamers to showcase their skills.The initiative was launched in April by Sky Broadband, in partnership with Guild Esports and Gaming, and their ambassador, David Beckham, with the aim of providing a platform for talented women gamers to showcase their skills. (Image: Will Ireland/PinPep) Sky Broadband is empowering women to game competitively through the launch of its first-of-its-kind women’s esports initiative that offers professional contract opportunities – supporting its shared mission with Guild Esports and Gaming to create a more inclusive gaming industry.

This is the first women's esports tournament in the UK to award professional contracts as well as cash prizes to winners.

Winners will receive bootcamp training, access to top-class facilities and experts to help them keep at the top of their game as well as free Sky Broadband for 24 months.

The initiative was launched in April by Sky Broadband, in partnership with Guild Esports and Gaming, and their ambassador, David Beckham, with the aim of providing a platform for talented women gamers to showcase their skills.

This is the first women's esports tournament in the UK to award professional contracts as well as cash prizes to winners.This is the first women's esports tournament in the UK to award professional contracts as well as cash prizes to winners. (Image: Will Ireland/PinPep) Amber Pine, MD, Sky Connectivity, said: “Huge congratulations to Grete Lajal and Mariam Musa on becoming the first ever champions of our Women’s Esports Finals.

"At Sky Broadband, we’re incredibly proud to have partnered with Guild Esports and Gaming on this groundbreaking initiative, together we are changing the game and proving that esports is a space for everyone.”