IGEAS 2020 is a virtual networking event dedicated to students, esports hopefuls, and educators who are interested in the esports industry and the incredible potential within the collegiate scene.
The venue was filled with teams huddled around their respective coaches and analysts. It was a mosaic of different schools, each patch of color representing a different esports program colored by the familiar esports jersey designs.
As part of the varsity team, players receive full athletic scholarships and are provided a housing stipend, much like any other college varsity team.
There was an aura of competence surrounding the entire event that took me by surprise. I was, after all, expecting a showcase of student-made games. On the contrary, the offerings at the USC Game Expo (ranging from all platforms including virtual reality and table-top games) rivaled and, in many cases, surpassed games you might find at an Indie games expo or equivalent showcase.
48 players descended upon the UCI esports arena for a chance to qualify for our official LoL collegiate finals at IGEC. With special guest MadLife and Shy in attendance (and an exhibition match between the two pros and lucky fans in the audience, our "Stars of the Rift" tournament marks the first of many collegiate tournaments sponsored and by Inven Global.
College esports have always been a weird thing for most people to grasp. It's not quite the pro scene, but it isn't amateur either. Some collegiate pros see it as a stepping stone to enter professional play, while others are firm in continuing their non-esports related career path after graduation.
When I was growing up, esports were always niche, always small, and always required an explanation to those unvetted. Things have changed a lot since those days.
Facebook may be out, but the unique broadcast options for Heroes of the Dorm are still in full effect. Raycom Sports will provide a "dedicated, nationally-syndicated program" over the course of 5 weeks all about Heroes of the Dorm.
Fiesta Bowl Partners with Blizzard Entertainment to Create New Fiesta Bowl Overwatch® Collegiate National Championship First-ever esports partnership between a college football bowl organization a
