<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2NgmaY_0wBZysdx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2NgmaY_0wBZysdx00" width="720" height="539" ><figcaption>Students participating in B.Y.O.C ( Bring Your Own Console) Day in Hubert B Room 213 Photo Credit: Esports and Gaming Club</figcaption></figure>As the world leans more into digital technology, the sports industry is experiencing a significant transformation. At the forefront of this change is esports—competitive video gaming that is gaining momentum across campuses, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The roots of esports in higher education can be traced back to 2014 when Robert Morris University in Illinois became the first school to offer varsity-level scholarships for competitive gaming. This pioneering move sparked interest across the nation, leading to the establishment of esports programs at various universities, including Shenandoah University and Ohio State University, which began offering esports majors a few years later. Over the past decade, organizations like the Collegiate Starleague and the National Association of College Esports have helped colleges nationwide develop competitive gaming programs. As interest in esports has surged, many institutions have recognized the potential for revenue generation, student engagement, and innovative career pathways in this rapidly evolving field.In recent years, HBCUs have begun to embrace this digital phenomenon, creating vibrant teams and gaming communities. Johnson C. Smith University made headlines in 2020 by becoming the first HBCU to offer an undergraduate program in esports management, partnering with industry leaders like Riot Games to enrich their curriculum and provide valuable internships. According to projections, the global esports market is set to reach an astonishing $67.5 billion by 2030, offering HBCUs an opportunity to attract a diverse student body interested in gaming and technology.Savannah State University (SSU) is leading the charge in this new arena. They have actively expanded their esports programs to build a solid foundation for competitive gaming on campus. In their inaugural season, the SSU Valorant team demonstrated their prowess with an impressive 6-1 record, securing second place in their regional division of the National Esports Collegiate Conference and even advancing to the national championship, where they finished fourth. Meanwhile, the Super Smash Brothers Ultimate team faced some hurdles but still made significant strides in establishing SSU's presence in esports.At the heart of SSU's esports initiative is Sebastian Lubbers, the Esports &amp; STEM Manager. He oversees the College of Science &amp; Technology's unique STEM Esports program, which combines fun gaming with educational opportunities. Lubbers manages various club teams that compete in leagues and grassroots tournaments, advises the Esports &amp; Gaming Club, and coordinates venues for both casual and competitive play. His work also involves engagement and recruitment efforts to keep students connected.“The goal of this program is to establish a facility that will be long-lasting and valuable to this institution,” Lubbers explains, “We want to create a welcoming environment for students passionate about gaming. Once this space is established, we can enhance it to facilitate not just gaming but also digital innovation, allowing students to broadcast their games, create podcasts, and more.”<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=31HiyS_0wBZysdx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=31HiyS_0wBZysdx00" width="527" height="1022" ><figcaption>For Tyree, the experience goes beyond just playing games; it’s about the camaraderie and teamwork that come with it. Photo provided by Tyree Walker</figcaption></figure>Tyree Walker, a dedicated junior majoring in computer science with a focus in cybersecurity is making his mark on the esports scene at SSU as a member of the Esports &amp; Gaming Club, reserve player for the Overwatch team and a core member of the League of Legends squad. Balancing his academic responsibilities with his passion for gaming, Tyree finds himself immersed in a community that shares his enthusiasm and ambition. He thrives on the connections he’s formed with teammates who possess the same drive and passion for competitive gaming. “The best thing I get out of playing esports at Savannah State is the connection I get with other people who have the same drive and passion as me,” he shares. For Tyree, the experience goes beyond just playing games; it’s about the camaraderie and teamwork that come with it. He enjoys dedicating time and effort to his pursuits, knowing that he is working towards something he truly loves.The thrill of competing and the satisfaction of seeing his hard work pay off fuel his determination to succeed, both in the virtual arena and in his academic life. As he navigates the challenges of being a student athlete, Tyree appreciates the opportunities that esports provide, not only for personal growth but also for forging lifelong friendships with fellow gamers who share his aspirations.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3JhlKC_0wBZysdx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3JhlKC_0wBZysdx00" width="1290" height="1280" ><figcaption>Located in Hubert B, Room 213, the club invites students to join "Bring Your Own Console" (BYOC) events every Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., fostering community and friendly competition. Provided by the Esports and Gaming Club</figcaption></figure>Students who are interested in gaming don’t have to be part of an esports team or Esports and Gaming Club to embrace the culture at Savannah State University; the Esports &amp; Gaming Club welcomes everyone.Located in Hubert B, Room 213, the club invites students to join "Bring Your Own Console" (BYOC) events every Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., fostering community and friendly competition. Open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the club creates a space where gamers can connect and collaborate over video games and board games.Beyond hosting tournaments and events, the club encourages casual play, ensuring that all feel welcome. This initiative aligns with SSU's esports strategy, aiming to enhance student engagement and build relationships among a diverse student body.As students gather to share strategies and celebrate victories, the Esports &amp; Gaming Club embodies the power of gaming, reinforcing Savannah State's commitment to becoming one of the leaders in the technological shift.</div></body>

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The Rise of Esports: A New Era at Savannah State University

As the world leans more into digital technology, the sports industry is experiencing a significant transformation. At the forefront of this change is esports—competitive video gaming that is gaining momentum across campuses, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The roots of esports in higher education can be...