The crowd roars, players are lined up in their jerseys, proudly displaying their team’s colors. The coaches watch in anticipation as the timer ticks down. It hits zero and the teams begin their fight for glory.
This is a common sight to see among sports like football, basketball or hockey. Everyone knows the stakes of high-level sports game and the dedication put in by the players to get there. Immense amounts of time and effort are used for athletes to get to a high level.
The scene I’m describing isn’t for a traditional sporting event. This is an Esports match. An esports match of high caliber, with crowds coming from all different areas of the world to watch their teams fight in their favorite online games like League of Legends, Overwatch and Fortnite, and many more.
Esports is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The Newzoo Global Esports Market Reportclaimed in 2018 that the global esports economy would grow to $905.6 million, which would be a 38% increase from 2017.
This growth isn’t just limited to professional level. Collegiate level esports programs are expanding and thriving. According the National Association of College Esports(NACE), there are 105 institutions with registered esports programs in the United States.
For many, it’s hard to find people on campus that share the same passion for esports as they do. The thrill of competitive play is hard to replicate in online matches with strangers, but with a team of comrades and friends, its easy.
Niagara University Esports is one of NU’s most recent clubs but looks to carry on the university’s high standards of sportsmanship and inclusivity. Though the club is still in its early stages, there is huge potential for it and room for anystudent who wants to get involved.
For more information, questions or concerns contact Bryce Molnar at bmolnar@mail.niagara.eduor Brandon Sturak at bsturak@mail.niagara.edu.
Niagara Wire 