Do colleges offer scholarships for esports, like League of Legends or Fortnite?

I love playing League of Legends and Fortnite, and I've heard some colleges might give scholarships for esports. Is this true, and how competitive is it to earn one of those scholarships? Would appreciate any advice or experiences!

Yes, colleges do indeed offer esports scholarships. The world of esports is growing rapidly, and many universities are recognizing its value and creating formal varsity programs with scholarships. Overwatch, Fortnite, and League of Legends are among some popular esports games that universities sometimes focus on.

The competitiveness of earning an esports scholarship varies from program to program, as well as the specific game that the scholarship is for. Larger, more established programs are generally more competitive, as they may attract players from a wider geographical area and have more resources, such as dedicated coaches and equipment. On the other hand, smaller or newer programs might be less competitive due to not having the same level of resources or recognition.

Esports scholarships can cover anything from a small stipend to full tuition, room, and board. It's important to understand that the demand for these scholarships often surpasses the supply, so while it's an excellent opportunity, it should just be one part of your financial plan for college.

To apply for these scholarships, you would generally need to get recruited by a college's esports team, just like in traditional sports. This requires a significant level of skill in the game, so it's advised that you not only play a lot, but also look into formal trainings and tournaments. You could also reach out to the coach directly to express your interest, or attend esports camps or showcases where college recruiters might be present.

When considering pursuing an esports scholarship, keep in mind that it's critical to maintain a balance between gaming and academics. Just like any other student-athlete, you need to meet academic eligibility requirements to play.

In conclusion, do some research on the schools that offer these scholarships, and don't hesitate to reach out to the programs you're interested in to find out more about their application and selection process.