SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – The Missouri Valley Conference eSports championships are coming to Springfield.
Teams from across the conference will square off Saturday at the Plaster Student Union. Players will compete in four games: Rocket League, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros., and Valorant.
Event organizers say that while competitors really enjoy playing, they get much more out of the esports experience than just a good time.
“A sense of community, so all the teams except for Smash are team-based games, so they’re learning how to communicate, how to play with others that they might not have known up until this current school year. Beyond that, we also offer a multi-disciplinary academic major and a certificate program. So there are educational opportunities,” said Terry Weber, the director of the Plaster Student Union and esports advisor.
Missouri State offers scholarships for players on its varsity esports team. Competitors first fill out an application, then take part in tryouts. Players selected receive a $1,500 scholarship for the coming academic year in addition to team gear and the chance to represent MSU in future competitions.
MSU has three esports teams with a total of 16 students.
“For me, esports has been an extremely valuable part of my experience since I often struggle to get out and go to events,” said Keegan Harper, sophomore Overwatch player. “It has given me a place to belong, meet people who share my hobbies and feel part of something important on campus.”
The games begin Saturday at 10 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. at the Level 1 Game Center in the PSU. Spectators are welcome and admission is free.
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