While most sports teams on campus have cheering crowds and loyal fans, one University of Wyoming team trades those in for keyboards and monitors.
The UW Esports Team, now in its third year of operation, plays multiplayer video games competitively against other schools in the region. Students also compete for scholarships and sponsorship opportunities, just like in other, more traditional sports.
The team focuses on competitive games like League of Legends, Overwatch and Super Smash Brothers. Like other sports, those that compete practice constantly to stay at the top of their craft. It’s not out of the ordinary for club members to play competitive matches on weeknights or to play pickup games between classes.
“It’s a good feeling, hanging out with friends,” said club President Jacob Oleyar. “We can be really competitive during a tournament, but once it’s over, we’re just college students having fun.”
The training regimen is also similar to to other sports. Of course, practice doesn’t include athletic drills or weight training, and team members are more likely to drink Mountain Dew than a protein shake, but staying at the top requires players to become students of the game.
“We have long scrimmages in all of our games that go over strategies, just like you would in traditional sports,” said Oleyar. “We also have coaches and watch film just like other sports would.”
Even though members of the esports team often have a similar time commitment and training schedule to other student athletes, Oleyar has some misgivings about calling competitive gaming a sport.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to say that esports or competitive gaming in general is a sport, but it shares many qualities.” he said.
Oleyar feels that the biggest difference between esports and regular sports, besides the surface level obvious differences, is the amount of athleticism required. While athletes in other sports need to be in peak physical shape to have a fighting chance during a game, there’s no such requirement for esports players.
“The biggest appeal to esports is that everyone is on an equal playing field. There’s no inherent natural advantage,” said Oleyar. “I think that, if you’re competitive, there’s a competitive game that you can play.”
Besides competitive gaming, the Esports Club also offers more casual opportunities to play games with others. The club hosts regular LAN parties, where people can bring their gaming consoles and play various games with each other, as well as a weekly Super Smash Brothers tournament. Both are held in CASM, the math help center in the basement of Ross Hall. The club also welcomes people who don’t like to play video games with others.
“All our communities are really accepting, and when you are a new player, they will help you get better and make friends along the way,” said Oleyar. “Even if people just want to get into gaming casually, it is a great way to make friends and have a lot of fun.”
The club is hosting a Super Smash Brothers Ultimate tournament this Friday at 7 p.m. in the CASM. They invite players of all skill sets to attend, and come mingle with other players. Those interested can preregister for the tournament at Smash.gg/tournament/wyoming-final-smash-friday-4.
