The Complete Guide to Esports in College: Everything You Need to Know [2024]

by IvyPanda®

21 mins

1,542

Updated on

Oct 22nd, 2024

Attention, gamers! Do you want to become rich and famous simply by playing your favorite video games? Look no further than esports!

Today, esports is a multimillion-dollar industry that attracts countless fans. You can even get an esports degree and start a full-time career. Indeed, esports has unlimited potential!

The picture says that 500 million people all over the world are interested in esports.

This article by Ivy Panda experts will tell you all about playing esports in college. We will look at how to rise through the ranks in professional gaming, how to enter a college team, and much more. This comprehensive guide is a must-read for students, parents, teachers, and those interested in esports as a whole.

Table of contents

🖥️ What Is Esports & Why Is It Popular?
✨ Unexpected Benefits of Esports
🔝 15 College Varsity Programs to Choose From
🎓 Getting into College Esports Programs
🎮 How to Start a Career
🤔 Are Esports Degrees Worthwhile?
🎁 BONUS: How to Start an Esports Team
🔗 References

🖥️ What Is Esports & Why Is It Popular?

In a nutshell, esports is competitive multiplayer gaming between two or more teams. It’s similar to soccer or any other sport. There are coaches, tournaments, and devoted fans. Esports even has its own “stadiums.” Instead of giant arenas, these competitions are streamed on platforms such as YouTube or Twitch.

Since its inception in the 20th century, gaming has become a major part of our culture. People play games and watch esports events even in the remotest places on our planet. Today, the video game industry is bigger than the music and movie industries combined. Think about it: there are movies and books based on games and games based on books and movies!

Statistics show that 400 million people worldwide are interested in esports and gaming. Since 2020, the global gaming market has grown by 23.1%. And it will only continue to gain momentum.

It’s no wonder many teens and young adults want to become professional gamers. Esports celebrities earn big money and become famous all over the world. Do you want to be one of them? Keep reading!

Esports vs. Gaming: What’s the Difference?

As you probably know, gaming refers to playing video games on a PC, console, or any other device. Is esports the same as gaming, then? Well, not exactly.

You see, esports is gaming, but not all gaming is esports. The main characteristic that distinguishes esports is competitiveness. It requires 2 or more people who play against each other, unlike the games you can play alone.

We can call esports a child of gaming. In the 1970s, video games first received a competitive mod, which kickstarted esports development. However, it was in the 2000s that more people got access to the Internet. That’s when the concept of enormous crowds and high prize pools gained appeal. And the rest is history.

The picture describes the difference between gaming and esports.

Top 10 Examples of Esports Games in College

Countless games fit for esports, but not all of them are popular enough to have their own big tournaments. If you plan to join a college team, you need to know which games and genres are trending. No worries: we studied them for you, and you can check them out below.

Here’s what games are played in college esports in 2024:

League of Legends	League of Legends is a strategy-based game where teamwork is vital. Players choose one of the unique characters with various abilities and fight against each other with the goal of destroying their competitor’s main base. This genre is called MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena,) and there are many other games with similar features.
Dota 2	This is the 2nd most famous MOBA game. It’s very similar to League of Legends, but there are different characters and abilities. Both Dota 2 and League of Legends are based on real-time strategies.
Rainbow Six Siege	In this game, teams of attackers and defenders face off in various objective-based scenarios. Each player takes on the role of an operator with unique abilities, gadgets, and playstyles. Teamwork, communication, and strategic gameplay will help you win.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS)	This game is considered a classic first-person shooter. It has a rich history of competitive tournaments. Fans from all over the world choose the side of either terrorist or counter-terrorist and fight against each other. CS has various game mods, but its signature mod is about planting a bomb or disarming it.
Fortnite	Fortnite is somewhat similar to CS, but it features unique cartoon design elements alongside crafting and building mechanics. While CS tries to get closer to realism, Fortnite aims to host colorful matches in an open-world arena.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG: Battlegrounds)	This game has the same mechanics as Fortnite, but the graphics are more realistic. PUBG is basically a combination of Fortnite and CS.
Rocket League	This one is like soccer, but with rocket-powered cars. The objective is to score goals by hitting a giant ball into the opposing team’s net. This fun and unique game combines elements of racing, sports, and physics-based gameplay.
Valorant	Valorant comes from the creators of League of Legends. Here, two teams of 5 players each compete against each other in round-based matches. The objective varies between game modes, but typically involves planting or defusing a spike (bomb) or eliminating the opposing team.
Apex Legends	In Apex Legends, squads of 3 compete against each other on a large map. The goal is to eliminate opponents and survive in the ever-shrinking play area. “Legends” are the player characters, each with unique abilities and personalities
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II	This state-of-the art game features the iconic operators of Task Force 141 with a whole lot of innovations. It provides an immersive experience thanks to cutting-edge AI and amazing graphics.

✨ Unexpected Benefits of Esports for Students and Schools

If fame and money aren’t things you’re after, esports has many other things to offer!

Here are its benefits for students:

📝 Esports improve your social, cognitive, and behavioral skills.	Communication plays a key role in esports. Only the strongest teams win competitive matches. While playing as a team, you’ll master many valuable communication skills that will serve you for the rest of your life.
♟️ It will boost your strategic thinking and time management skills.	Competitive gaming is rife with situations in which you must manage time and resources appropriately. Strategies win wars, and the same thing is true in games.
🌈 Video games promote inclusivity.	In esports, there are no limitations. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your lifestyle is. Gaming, as a whole, is an excellent way for people to be free and feel included.
🔠 Gaming can help you learn languages.	Research has already proven that video games can assist in learning foreign languages. All you need to do is to change the game language in your settings and turn on subtitles. The action and cutscenes will help you understand what the characters are talking about.

The picture enumerates the benefits of esports.

But that’s not all of it—there are also many benefits for schools:

🔥 Any esports-associated event will grant you a ton of promotion.	Gaming events and tournaments attract the youth demographic. It is one of the biggest population groups, so advertising to this market can be very profitable. Unsurprisingly, that’s the reason many companies sign contracts with famous gamers and esports hosts to promote their products.
🏆 Esports can facilitate the perfect event.	If you want to gather many people at your local event, consider esports as your weapon of choice. Many young adults and teens will be drawn to your school or college to compete and win prizes. Esports matches can also serve as team-building exercises for students.
🎓 Competitive gaming boosts graduation rates.	It’s scientifically proven that gamers tend to be more creative and versatile than non-gamers, thanks to their out-of-the-box thinking. This, in turn, helps them study better.
🚀 Esports popularize IT and other STEM-related subjects.	Playing video games can help students find new interests and gain scripting and software development skills. Moreover, it can inspire girls and other underrepresented demographics to study STEM-related subjects.

What Do the Critics Say?

Unfortunately, esports is not without its critics. Despite all the progress, video games and their enthusiasts are still widely stigmatized. In some countries, politicians and activists even want gaming banned. There are many reasons for this attitude:

❌ Video games can cause addiction and health issues.

Not everyone can stop playing when they need to. This causes many people to get addicted to gaming, which leads to detrimental effects. In addition, sitting in a chair and staring at a bright monitor all day is bad for your eyes and spine.

❌ Some video games promote harmful stereotypes.

Many modern games are inclusive, but not all are like that. Some of them (especially older ones) can be stereotypical in terms of racial and sexual imagery.

❌ Cyberbullying.

Esports is a highly competitive environment, and unfortunately, some players resort to bullying and harassment to gain an advantage. You can avoid this by turning off the chat, blocking the toxic person, or reporting bullies for inappropriate behavior.

So, Should You Play Esports in College?

Why not? There are many more advantages than disadvantages. Besides, most problems described above can be prevented.

As a gamer, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and well-being in addition to your skills. If you do that, you can enjoy esports without any unnecessary difficulties. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

✔️	Take scheduled breaks from gaming: stretch your legs, hydrate, and rest your eyes. Experts recommend taking a 10 to 15-minute break every hour.
✔️	Exercise between matches to improve your focus and stamina. Even a brief walk or light stretching can do wonders for your health.
✔️	Have a balanced diet and make pauses between meals. A healthy diet will help you maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
✔️	Only play the games you genuinely enjoy and find engaging. While practicing and improving your skills is essential, playing games you don’t enjoy can quickly lead to burnout.
✔️	Ignore bullies and report them to the game’s moderators or administrators. Remember, esports should be a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.

And most importantly: esports doesn’t oblige you to anything. You are free to quit it whenever you like. Try it and decide for yourself!

🔝15 College Varsity Esports Programs to Choose From

The easiest way to start an esports career is to sign up for your local esports college program. It will allow you to join a team and participate in tournaments. Let’s see which accredited colleges host esports events and have their own teams.

The picture explains the definition of varsity.

Colleges with Esports Teams in the US

Georgia State University	This university is a part of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE.) Its programs are not exclusively about esports. It also provides courses in game design, computer science, and even video game media entrepreneurship. Location: Atlanta, Georgia. Average tuition per year: $8,948 for in-state students and $22,390 for out-of-state students.
University of California at Berkeley	This university is famous for its huge gaming library and big gaming center. Its teams mainly play Fortnite and Rocket League. UC’s main goal is to promote gender diversity within gaming Location: Berkeley, California. Average tuition per year: $14,312 for in-state students and $29,754 for out-of-state students.
Stephens College	Stephens College emphasizes inclusivity and accepts transgender and non-binary players. Their famous Overwatch squad is led by a NACE member Adrienne McIntire. The university’s team regularly participates in competitions for the Missouri Overwatch Cup and other prestigious prizes. Location: Columbia, Missouri. Average tuition per year: $23,870.
Roosevelt University	This university offers a competitive varsity esports program, which debuted in 2014 and was among the first in the US. Their primary games are Call of Duty and Overwatch. Roosevelt University attracts players from all over the world. Location: Chicago, Illinois. Average tuition per year: $31,493 for in-state students and $39,552 for out-of-state students.
University of Utah	The main games played at the University of Utah are Hearthstone, League of Legends, Rocket League, and Overwatch. Fans can watch games live and communicate on their Twitch channel and Discord group, which are both very active. Location: Salt Lake City, Utah. Average tuition per year: $9,292 for in-state students and $30,252 for out-of-state students.
Miami University (Ohio)	The varsity esports team at Miami University began in 2015 and was the first D1 varsity program in the US. Players here receive physical training, scholarships, and other support. The institution offers a Junior Varsity program for all students to foster a diverse and inclusive gaming community. Location: Oxford, Ohio. Average tuition per year: $16,224 for in-state students and $36,650 for out-of-state students.
Robert Morris University	This is one of the best universities to start your esports career. It hosts countless games like FIFA, Call of Duty, iRacing, Hearthstone, Overwatch, Rocket League, iRacing, Madden, and Valorant. Most importantly, this university has the highest esports scholarships at $19,000 per year. Location: Moon Township, Pennsylvania.Average tuition per year: $30,830.
Kansas Wesleyan University	This is one of the smaller universities on this list with just over 500 students. Nevertheless, it has a well-known esports program that has been going strong since 2015. Its team participates in the Collegiate Star League for League of Legends and several other games. Location: Salina, Kansas. Average tuition per year: $31,020.
University of Pikeville	The University of Pikeville’s esports team participates in League of Legends, Overwatch, and Hearthstone competitions. With a degree in the science of game design, coach Nicholas Alverson works out of a cutting-edge gaming facility that this university generously provides. Location: Pikeville, Kentucky. Average tuition per year: $22,500.

If you’re not from the US, don’t be discouraged! There are also plenty of esports-supporting universities in England and Canada. Check them out below:

Colleges with Esports Teams in Canada

Fanshawe College	This college is famous for its team, Fanshawe Falcons. They participate in a wide range of championships, including national tournaments. Their main games are Overwatch, Rocket League, League of Legends, and Valorant. Location: London, Ontario. Average tuition per year: $19,220.
Ontario Tech University	At the moment of writing, 10 teams from the OTSU Esports program are competing in various tournaments, including those for Overwatch, League of Legends, Hearthstone, Call of Duty, Fortnite, Rocket League, and Rainbow Six Siege. They participate in various leagues, including College League of Legends and NACE Starleague. Location: Oshawa, Ontario. Average tuition per year: $30,000.
University of Windsor	University of Windsor’s leading Lancer Gaming team competes against hundreds of other schools and universities from across North America. The games they play include Rocket League, Valorant, and League of Legends. Location: Windsor, Ontario. Average tuition per year: $20,000.

Colleges with Esports Teams in England

University of Warwick	This university has a formidable gaming center that is accessible to everybody. At Warwick, they play various games, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Rocket League, Overwatch, Rainbow Six, and Dota. Location: Coventry, West Midlands. Average tuition per year: £21,000
Durham University	Durham University is home to the DUEG team. They compete in both NUEL and NSE tournaments, which makes them a pretty big deal. These tournaments are held at a national level. The DUEG team often ranks in the top 10 teams nationwide. Location: Durham, North East England. Average tuition per year: £10,000.
University of Suffolk	The University of Suffolk provides great esports programs. Its team is fairly young, but they’ve already played quite a few games of Valorant and CS. It’s a great place to put your gaming skills into practice. Location: Ipswich, Suffolk. Average tuition per year: £13,000.

College Majors for Esports Gamers

While there are no specific majors that are exclusively designed for esports gamers, there are several fields of study that can be beneficial for those interested in an esports career. If you’re a big fan of competitive gaming and haven’t picked your major yet, here are some of our suggestions:

Computer Animation. Animation is a core part of creating video games. You’ll learn how to make characters move and perform various actions. This sets you up for a career in the videogame industry, working at famous game-developing companies!
Graphic or Interactive Media Design. If you’re a creative person, consider getting into graphic design. You’ll learn how level design is created and how to draw video game characters, locations, and items.
Esports Management. If tech stuff doesn’t inspire you, we recommend getting into esports management. It’s not only about hosting various events: you will also learn how to create marketing strategies and commercials for games and manage top events like Gamescom or E3.
Software Engineering. This vast industry includes building your perfect gaming PC and creating programs in languages like Python or Java.
Video Game Development. Here, you will learn how to make levels, scripts, and quests through programming languages. Later, you’ll be able to work for your favorite companies: Rockstar, Blizzard, Bethesda, and others.

🎓 Getting into College Esports Programs

With the rising popularity of esports, many colleges and universities are now offering esports programs, allowing students to hone their skills and compete at a collegiate level.

But getting into a college esports program can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure where to start. That’s where we come in. In this section, we’ll explore everything you need to know to kickstart your journey into college esports programs. Let’s dive in!

Choose a Suitable Esports Program

Enrolling in esports is not as easy as it may seem. Make sure to choose your future study program very carefully:

✔️	First, you’ll need to look through the university’s website and check out their study programs. Seek anything that has to do with IT or computers.
✔️	Write down or highlight the parameters of each program. See if you’ll meet their entry criteria.
✔️	Check out other requirements, such as the need to buy your own equipment, the availability of esports scholarships or grants, and the list of games played by the college’s team.
✔️	It’s very helpful to contact the professors and esports coaches at the college for more information. It’s even better if you have friends who already study there.
✔️	Colleges often host esports events, so it would be wise to visit one of them and play a few games. Try talking to team members about their programs during these events.

What to Include in Your Application

After you’ve chosen a suitable program, it’s time to show the college’s admissions team your gaming expertise. Follow this roadmap:

Copy your gaming profiles from various platforms. Collect them into a CV.
Enumerate which games you are best at and how many hours you have spent in each one.
If you’ve already gotten acquainted with the college’s esports coaches or team members, tell them about your plans and ask them to vouch for you, if possible.
We highly recommend you add a highlight reel to your portfolio. A highlight reel is a selection of video clips that illustrate your gaming skills (similar to “Play of the Game” in Overwatch or Dota.)
To enter any college, you’ll need to write an admission essay, and esports is no exception. Just make sure not to dedicate the entirety of the text to your gaming achievements. You have plenty of other strengths—showcase them! You want to show that you are good at other things alongside gaming. Don’t forget you’re applying to college, so you’re supposed to be a good student and not just a gamer.

The picture explains the definition of Play of the Game.

💡 Quick Tip

Sometimes esports teams look for a pro to fit a specific role. For example, they may agree to take you on if you’re an excellent healer or damage dealer. So, if you’re especially good at some roles, be sure to make it known!

What Makes a Great Candidate

The commission will analyze everything that you present them, so it’s good to know what they’re after in the first place. Here are the main qualities of an ideal candidate:

⚒️ Skill	This, of course, is the crucial factor. A skillful player who consistently performs well in matches will be a valuable asset for any esports team.
💬 Communication	Communication is key in any competitive sport. Someone who can effectively communicate with their teammates will be able to coordinate strategies, make quick decisions, and adapt to dynamic situations more easily.
👥 Teamwork	Competitive gaming is a team sport. That’s why a player who works well with others, listens to feedback and contributes to a positive team dynamic will be highly valued.
🙋 Dedication	Esports requires a significant amount of time and effort to succeed. A player dedicated to practicing, improving their skills, and competing at a high level will be an asset to any team.
😀 Attitude	Finally, a positive attitude can make a massive difference in esports. Someone who remains calm under pressure doesn’t get discouraged easily, and keeps their optimism even when things aren’t going well can keep the team motivated and focused on their goals.

Remember that different colleges and esports programs may prioritize other qualities based on their specific needs and goals.

Busting the Myths about College Esports Recruiting

People have a lot of false assumptions about college esports and the recruiting process. You may have already heard some of them. Well, we’re here to disprove them! Let’s look at the most prominent ones below:

Assumption №1: Grades don’t matter.

❌ False!

Just as soccer players have to pass their grades check before enrolling in a college team, esports is no exception. A certain GPA will be required for your acceptance. Without that, the commission will likely decline your candidacy.
Assumption №2: Esports coaches and team members only want super-pros.

❌ False!

Finding so many professionals is nearly impossible. The main thing coaches and team members want is for you to be able to learn quickly and handle stress. In addition, they want those who can cooperate and listen to the coach’s guidance.
Assumption №3: Esports in college are different from esports in general. There are too many rules and restrictions.

❌ False!

The only difference between playing with your friends on Discord and with your college team is the level of skill required. Esports in college is still about having fun. Generally, there are no strict rules or harsh regulations.
Assumption №4: If I become an esports player, my studies must wait.

❌ False!

As we’ve said before: colleges want you to study. Even your coach understands that you’ll fail and be expelled if you have too little time for learning. Don’t worry; they will give you enough time for studying and esports.

College Esports Scholarships

Perhaps the most satisfying thing about esports is that you can actually make money playing video games! If this sounds exciting to you, then make sure to read this section till the end.

The main thing that you should aim for is securing esports scholarships. To do so, you’ll need to enter a college or university’s esports team and start winning competitions. If you show potential, your college will be more motivated to keep you on their team and offer you a scholarship. The amounts vary from one college to another.

Here are the top 5 scholarships for you to consider:

School	Scholarship	Games they play
Robert Morris University	$19,000 a year (one of the highest esports scholarships in the US)	Rocket League, FIFA, Hearthstone, iRacing, Overwatch, Madden, Call of Duty, Valorant
Georgia State University	$10,000 a year	Smite, Overwatch, League of Legends, Hearthstone, Tekken 7, Dragon Ball Fighter Z
Kansas Wesleyan University	$5,000 a year	Overwatch, League of Legends, Hearthstone
Stephens College	$4,000 a year	Overwatch
University of California at Berkeley	$1,666 a year	Apex Legends, Diablo 3, Dota 2, Fortnite, League of Legends, Hearthstone, Counter-Strike

🎮 How to Start a Career in Esports

Esports is a major industry. Beyond gamers, there are marketing specialists, advertisers, critics, developers, designers, and many other career prospects. As an industry, esports has experienced tremendous growth in the last decade. The global esports market was valued at $1.22 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to a whopping $5.48 billion by 2029!

If you’re considering starting a professional esports career, check out what we have for you in this next segment.

1. Choose a Suitable Career

Here’s a list of possible careers that are associated with esports. We’ve also included some jobs close to the industry but not directly connected to the gaming process. Which one sounds like the best fit for you?

📌 Esports player	Play your favorite games and win money. Give interviews to various bloggers and the media. In time, you can become a coach or a blogger yourself.
📌 Esports coach	Teach youngsters how to play like a pro. Offer your guidance about different tactics and winning strategies. Win big tournaments and feel proud of your team.
📌 Esports host	Comment on big tournaments and events like Gamescom or E3. Encourage the crowd’s enthusiasm. Criticize weak players for their lack of skill and complement those who play well.
📌 Marketing manager	Create commercials for your favorite games and make them popular all over the world. Build relationships with your audience and brand reputation. Design unique merch, posters, and logos.
📌 Journalist	Write articles about gaming and esports (just like this article). Create your own blogs and media. Interview esports stars.
📌 Production manager	Create breathtaking videos and clips of esports tournaments and important events. Broadcast esports and gather millions of views. Make sure the visual aspect of gaming broadcasts is perfect.

2. Start by Becoming a Streamer

Streaming is a great way to start an esports career. If you’re already a streamer, you have a big advantage over other gamers.

Streamers are usually good at gaming and know how to make exciting content. This makes them an asset in any esports team.
In addition to that, streaming can also give a significant boost to your media career. Even if you don’t have thousands of viewers, you’ll have higher chances of being invited to prestigious esports events.

Best Gear for Streaming

We’ve compiled this list of tried-and-tested favorites to help you with the gear required for quality streaming. These items are not obligatory (except for the PC, of course,) but having them at your disposal will make your content more professional.

A gaming PC or console.
Generally, if we’re talking about a good gaming PC build, it should at least have an Intel core i5-i9, GeForce 1600 or higher, and 8 GB or higher RAM. It would cost you around $800—$1000. Here’s a hint: if you can build a PC from scratch, the price drops by about half.
The brands we recommend: MSI, Asus Rog
A professional microphone.
Nothing is more irritating than hissing sounds coming from a cheap microphone. If you want your viewers to appreciate your voice, be sure to buy a quality mic. It should cost you around $100—$500.
The brands we recommend: Razer, Blue Yeti
A good camera.
In most cases, your integrated PC camera won’t do the trick. If you want your streams to look nice, buy a movable camera. A good camera will add a professional tone to your streams and allow your viewers to see your reactions. It will cost around $200.
The brands we recommend: Logitech Brio, Razer Kiyo
A professional light stand.
This one is not a necessity, but it can make your content look more professional. It should cost you around $50. Here’s another hint: if you don’t use a camera, you won’t need any lights at all.
The brands we recommend: Sensyne, UBeesize

3. Participate in Tournaments

If you’re going to start a career in esports, you’ll be participating in various tournaments, so why not start attending them right now? There, you can make friends with other gamers, esports athletes, coaches, and even sponsors!

We also highly recommend taking the first step and signing up for a tournament. Set yourself on winning the prize, or at least make sure to show everyone what you’re made of.

Your first tournament will most likely be grassroots. Still, it will be best to come prepared because even local matches have very motivated participants. If you succeed in demonstrating your skill, esports officials will likely notice your potential.

4. Expand Your Knowledge

So, you’ve chosen a career for yourself. What now?

At this point, we recommend you start expanding your knowledge about the industry. Here are the main tips to follow:

Read more theory	Knowledge is power. The more you know about your game and its mechanics, the better prepared you’ll be to face challenges and win. Read strategy guides, watch tutorials, and keep up with the latest updates. If you’ve chosen a career that doesn’t require playing games, it’s still necessary to study the ins and outs of your preferred job.
Try new gaming strategies	Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tactics and approaches to the game. It will help you develop a more versatile playing style and make it harder for opponents to predict your moves.
Learn from the champions	By observing the best players and their tactics, you can gain insights into what works and what doesn’t. Pay attention to their positioning, timing, and resource management. Then, look for ways to incorporate these strategies into your gameplay.
Don’t neglect industries connected to esports	Gaming events, commercials, and software development are all industries that are closely tied to esports. By keeping up with trends in these fields, you can better understand the larger context and take advantage of related opportunities.
Get more people to notice you	Promote yourself through social media, streaming platforms, and other online channels. Engage with other gamers and build a strong online presence that showcases your skills and personality.
Try to find powerful sponsors	Sponsors can provide financial support, cutting-edge gear, and exposure to help you take off your esports career. Make sure to look for brands that align with your values and interests. Don’t be shy and reach out to them to discuss potential partnerships.

5. Make a Strong Portfolio

A portfolio plays a major role in any career, and esports is no exception. Be sure to collect records of all your achievements carefully. These include:

Play of the Game clips.
Prizes.
Awards.
Recommendations.
Grants and certificates.
Comments from your fans.

Don’t neglect even the smallest achievements. If they seem insignificant to you, they may still be of value.

The picture enumerates what to include in an esports portfolio.

💡 Quick Tip

If you’re a seasoned gamer, then make a list of your top 10 biggest achievements. Provide proof, such as screenshots or links to your gaming profiles. Visualize this data in a colorful presentation with explanatory comments.

🤔 Are Esports Degrees Worthwhile?

The last thing we’d like to discuss is having a degree in esports. It’s a debatable topic among gamers, so it’s necessary to address it.

Many professional gamers have an esports degree. Alongside that, we also can’t deny that if you’re devoted and ambitious, you may surpass any of them in your skill without having any professional education. So, what should you do?

Well, your decision will ultimately depend on several factors. To see what’s best for you, try answering these questions:

❓ What are your career goals?	A degree may not be necessary if you want to become a professional player. However, if you’re thinking about a career in esports management, event production, or game design, a degree could definitely help. Besides, it will improve your chances of getting hired!
❓ What do you want to learn?	Esports degrees can cover a range of topics, from game development to marketing. If you’re interested in some aspect of esports, having a degree may be a good option for you.
❓ What are the costs and benefits?	Esports degrees can be expensive, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Think about the cost of tuition and the potential ROI (job prospects and earning potential.)
❓ What other options are available?	If you’re not sure if an esports degree is right for you, consider other options, such as internships, online courses, or networking opportunities. These can be more affordable and flexible than a traditional degree program.

All in all, the decision depends on your career goals and personal interests. A degree is worth having if you’re passionate about esports and want to pursue a career in the industry. It will provide valuable knowledge and skills and improve your chances of getting a job. However, make sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

🎁 BONUS: How to Start an Esports Team at College

If your school doesn’t have a strong gaming culture, or if other teams already have enough members, why not start your own team? It will give you a bunch of benefits, allow you to participate in tournaments, and potentially make your school famous in esports!

Here’s how to create an esports team from scratch:

Step #1: Determine your goals and objectives.	Before gathering team members, visualize and articulate what your team wants to achieve. Telling the potential candidates about your goals will help them connect with your vision for the future team.
Step #2: Find those who are interested.	It can be anyone who wants to try their hand at competitive gaming. It can be your classmates, friends, or even co-workers. Ideally, you want a team that consists primarily of students from your school.
Step #3: Structure your team.	Determine the roles, choose a leader, and decide which games your team wants to play. Also, don’t forget to create a memorable logo and motto.
Step #4: Find the necessary gear.	Without this step, you won’t be able to start practicing. At the very least, you need fast PCs to run the games smoothly.
Step #5: Register for tournaments.	After you and your teammates have trained for a certain amount of time, you’re ready to sign up for any of your local competitions. It’s time to put your team on the map of the esports world.
Step #6: Don’t hesitate to ask for help.	Try to reach out to professional coaches. You may also send a few letters to colleges with esports programs. Look for any opportunity to further your team’s skills and knowledge.

Now you know all about playing esports at college. We hope that you enjoyed our article! What are your thoughts on esports? Do you want to try it, or are you already a seasoned player? Tell us in the comments!

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