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HENRIETTA, N.Y. — Video gaming is not just for fun or relaxation anymore. Esports are a big business, and the possibilities go beyond just playing. One top esports college programs is now enticing potential students with scholarships.
When is a game more than just a game? When it’s esports, and you’re part of one of the top esports programs in the country.
“I’ve been playing Counter-Strike 2 since before I came into college, at a semi-professional level,” said Ben Feldstein, a fourth-year student at Rochester Institute of Technology. “And I realized that RIT had a thriving community here, and one that I very much wanted to join.”
The same things drew Nina Tacheva to RIT.
“It’s incredibly accessible. There’s a lot of people that can’t do sports because of whatever reason,” said the second-year student. “And I like that with video games, you’re able to just play with whoever you want.”
Both play key roles in RIT’s esports program, which began in 2016.
“We had to explain to people what esports was, because at that point in time no one knew what it was,” said Chad Weeden, director of RIT Esports. “We started off with a relatively small handful of students, but that exploded.”
One of the first varsity programs in the country is now offering scholarships. Not just for players, but for operations people behind the scenes. RIT Esports has won 18 national championships to date. The school will offer 20 esports scholarships for new students, providing $2,000 each year.
“I believe that we have the potential to be like the Duke or the University of Michigan of esports,” said Feldstein. “We have an amazing demographic for it."
“I’m very excited to see RIT taking this direction,” added Tacheva. “I think it’s about time to join in with the rest of the colleges.”
Feldstein says he’s made some of his closest friends in esports. The management information systems major with a minor in marketing — who’s also going for his MBA — also finds time for the two practices and five or six days of league games a week.
“Everyone kind of thinks of esports as just playing video games or wasting time,” he said. “But so many people don’t realize the blood, sweat and tears these students pour into it, just like traditional sports.”
Several former student players have gone on to jobs in the booming esports industry, proving the game really is much more than just a game.
