Student gamers have the opportunity to get hands-on experience, access to coaches and players and discover how their enthusiasm for gaming can lead to building a career by taking part in upcoming events hosted by Emporia State University Esports.
High school students can experience the life of a collegiate esports athlete at the ESU Esports Experience, or 3E, on Saturday, May 4. Gaming enthusiasts will have the opportunity to attend skill-building sessions, meet coaches and refine gameplay alongside members of the ESU team. Students will learn about scholarship opportunities and majors that align with athletes’ career goals.
Lucas Coble, ESU admissions counselor, conceived the idea for the 3E event and collaborated with Nathan Goodwin, e-ventures and esports coordinator, to make the event a reality.
“I wanted to expose high school students to our newly constructed esports arena while giving them the opportunity to learn or enhance their gaming skills,” Coble explained. “High school students will be coached by our esports coaches and student athletes, even if they've never played on a gaming PC before.”
Gameplay will cover Valorant, Rainbow Six: Siege and Overwatch. Attendees will get hands-on experience in the newly built ESU esports arena equipped with state-of-the-art gaming equipment.
The free event begins at 10 a.m. and will wrap up at 3 p.m. with lunch included. Space is limited and students are asked to secure a spot by registering online.
For a fully immersive, multi-day gaming experience, students are invited to the ESU Esports Summer Camp. The event starts at 9 a.m. Friday, June 28, and ends at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 30. The ESU Overwatch team will guide players through three days of skill-building, strategy, scrims, workshops and hands-on experiences.
Attendees can learn how to transform their passion for tech and gaming into future careers and network with other local players. On the final day, parents and supporters are invited to watch the campers in action during a player expo.
The esports summer camp is available to middle and high school students and will be held on the ESU campus. The cost is $150 and includes meals, lodging, a T-shirt and the use of high-end gaming equipment. Campers can sign up now to reserve a space.