Esports Clubs Gaining Popularity in Local Colleges: A New Era for Competitive Gaming
Competitive video gaming or eSports is becoming more and more popular these days and this is also reflected in the local colleges. These days, as colleges and universities begin to realize the value of esports to capture students’ interest and improve undergraduate experience, esports clubs and programs are being founded and developed on many campuses globally. From basements and dorms to university arenas with scholarships, varsity teams and even the ability to start a career in a professional field. With this growth, students and fans are now using the internet to follow the esports rankings and predict the matches’ outcomes; some people go ahead to use betting sites for entertainment.
The Rise of Esports in Students’ Experience in Higher Education Institutions
Earlier, esports in higher education was more of an experiment and now it is a fast-growing trend. From the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), it was established that more than 175 US colleges have launched varsity esports teams and more than $16 million in scholarships have been provided to esports players.
The local colleges are following suit as esports is now considered a real sport that can help students develop essential life skills such as teamwork and strategy among others. Such programs resemble conventional sports featuring well-organized practices, leagues and possibilities for promotion to the professional level. Those institutes that could not have made it to the competitive sports arena are gradually establishing themselves in the esports arena.
The Role of Crash Gambling Sites in Esports
Since more people are getting engaged in watching esports, there is a high possibility that they will also engage in betting for esports. Some of the students and fans are joining crash gambling sites where players place their bets on a multiplier that keeps on rising and the player aims to withdraw before the game ‘crashes’. This fast and more risky form of betting has been embraced by young esports fans due to the simplicity and thrill that comes with it.
Crash gambling sites are part of the general esports gambling which has affected students as they also bet on teams and players. It hinges on strategy and chance and that is why the game is compared to esports games that also depend on skills and quick decision-making during the game.
Why Esports Are So Popular with Students
The following are some of the reasons why esports clubs are becoming popular among college students. First, unlike traditional sports, esports can give chances to students who have not been engaged in sports activities. One does not require extraordinary physical strength or particular body structures and sizes to be on top of one’s game, what defines the game are skill, strategy and cooperation. Such openness ensures that the course is open to several students, who possess technical know-how, creativity and the passion that is associated with gaming.
Aside from that, esports capitalize on students’ interest in digital entertainment. Some students have been watching esports tournaments on different platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming in their leisure. Through the college esports club, they can be able to transform their pastime into a competitive one. According to a survey recently conducted by Limelight Networks, millennials are known to spend an average of 6. An average of 7 hours per week for watching video gaming content and is a trend that has been on the rise every year.
Esports as a way to Employment
Esports is not just a hobby that allows you to play video games; it may also reveal professional paid job possibilities. Some of the college players dream of becoming professional gamers but others have their sights set on other professions that are connected to esports including game development, broadcasting, event coordination and marketing.
Colleges that have recently introduced esports as a valid varsity sport are fast placing their students into internships and employment in the gaming sector. In Newzoo’s Global Esports Market Report, it is predicted that the esports market will hit $1.6 billion by 2024, with the growth driven by higher viewership, adverts and sponsorship. This growth is opening up opportunities across the industry which include content creators and streamers, coaches and analysts among others.
Scholarships and Varsity Teams
Esports scholarships are now available in colleges where students can get to attend college based on their gaming skills as is done for other sportsmen/women for basketball, football, etc. Some of the schools have been so keen to the extent of forming varsity esports teams, including coaches, practice facilities and even scouting for talents.
Besides varsity teams, college esports programs also engage in leagues that include NACE and CSL where they get to participate in national championship games. These leagues involve some well-known games such as League of Legends, Overwatch and Rocket League allowing students to play at the collegiate level.
The Future
These esports clubs keep on expanding and thus the prospects for competitive gaming in local colleges are bright. As more and more schools are opening their doors to scholarship, varsity and career opportunities in esports, it is safe to say that this industry is only going to get bigger. The colleges that are adopting esports are offering students a great way of enhancing their skills, social interactions and future careers.
Furthermore, the availability of platforms that display ranking and predict results of future games will make the students and the fans interested in the competitive aspect of esports and at the same time, they can engage in gambling activities such as crash gambling sites. In its current and future state in higher education, competition, entertainment and industry opportunities make esports an exciting new field for students and institutions.