How Does Esports Work in College?

I'm super into gaming and I've heard that esports is a thing in college now. Does anyone have experience with this? Do schools offer scholarships for being on an esports team like they do with traditional sports? I'm curious about how I could potentially get involved if I decide to pursue this in college. Any advice on the best schools for esports or how competitive it is would be really helpful.

Esports, or competitive video gaming, have indeed become increasingly popular at the collegiate level over the past several years. Many colleges now field varsity esports teams, similar to traditional sports teams, and participate in intercollegiate competitions. Some colleges also have esports clubs, where you can participate more casually if you're not looking for a highly competitive experience.

Regarding scholarships, yes, several colleges do indeed offer esports scholarships – some can be quite generous. Schools like Robert Morris University Illinois and the University of California Irvine, for instance, have been known to offer substantial scholarship amounts to esports players. It's also worth noting that there are third-party scholarships available specifically for esports players.

As for the best schools for esports, the answer to this depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a strong competitive scene and the potential for scholarships, some of the schools that are often recognized include Robert Morris University Illinois, University of California Irvine, and Maryville University. If you're more interested in studying esports or game design academically, schools like the University of Southern California, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Utah have strong programs.

The competitiveness of esports can vary by school and game, but in general, it can be quite competitive, particularly at the varsity level, and especially if scholarships are on the line. Training and competition can be time-consuming, so you'd want to be prepared to commit a significant amount of time if you plan to participate at a high level.

Keep in mind that like traditional sports, balance is key. Staying on top of your academics while also dedicating time to esports can be challenging, and it's important to prioritize your academic success. Get a sense of the time commitment before deciding to join an esports team and plan accordingly.