Esports Scholarships: How Gamers Are Scoring Full Rides to Big-Ten Schools
Gaming has always been seen as a form of entertainment, with many people spending hours in front of their screens playing their favorite games. However, in recent years, the concept of esports has taken the world by storm. Esports, or electronic sports, refers to organized competitive video game tournaments and matches. It has gained immense popularity and has now become a legitimate profession, with professional gamers earning millions of dollars in prize money. But what may surprise you is that esports is not just about winning money, it is also about winning a full ride scholarship to prestigious schools. In this article, we will explore the world of esports scholarships and how gamers are now scoring full rides to big-ten schools.
The Rise of Esports Scholarships
While traditional sports such as football, basketball, and soccer have been offering scholarships to student-athletes for decades, esports scholarships are a relatively new phenomenon. The rise of esports scholarships can be attributed to the increasing popularity and commercialization of esports. Many colleges and universities are now investing in esports programs, creating varsity teams, and offering scholarships to top players.
One of the biggest pioneers in the world of esports scholarships is Robert Morris University (RMU), which became the first university to offer esports scholarships in 2014. RMU started with just four scholarships but has now expanded to offer full rides to 80 students who participate in their varsity esports program. Other big names such as University of California Irvine, Ohio State University, and Harrisburg University have also jumped on the esports bandwagon and are now offering scholarships to players.
The Benefits of Esports Scholarships
So why are colleges and universities investing in esports scholarships? The benefits of esports scholarships go beyond just promoting the sport itself. Here are some of the reasons why schools are offering esports scholarships:
1. Attracting Top Talent
The world of esports is highly competitive, and there is a huge pool of talent out there. By offering scholarships, colleges and universities can attract top players, who in turn can help improve their esports programs. With esports becoming increasingly popular, schools want to have the best players on their teams to compete at the highest level.
2. Diversifying Their Student Body
Offering esports scholarships can also help schools diversify their student body. Esports is not just a male-dominated sport anymore. According to a report by Newzoo, 30% of esports viewers are female. By offering scholarships, schools can attract female players and promote gender diversity on their teams.
3. Building a Strong Brand
Esports is a rapidly growing industry, and schools are looking to capitalize on this trend. By investing in esports programs and offering scholarships, schools can build a strong brand and attract new students. This can ultimately lead to increased enrollment and revenue for the school.
Earning an Esports Scholarship
Earning an esports scholarship is not an easy feat. Just like traditional sports, players have to showcase their skills and compete at a high level to catch the attention of college recruiters. However, unlike traditional sports, esports players do not have to rely on physical strength or athleticism. They have to demonstrate their gaming skills and knowledge of the game to impress recruiters. This can be done by participating in esports tournaments and competitions, streaming their gameplay, or creating content centered around the game.
Some schools also have minimum academic requirements for students to be eligible for esports scholarships. So, it is essential for players to maintain a good academic record while honing their gaming skills.
The Future of Esports Scholarships
The world of esports and esports scholarships is only going to grow in the coming years. As more and more schools invest in esports programs, we can expect to see an increase in the number of scholarships being offered. In fact, the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) has predicted that by 2020, over 70 schools will be offering scholarships for esports.
With the introduction of esports scholarships, many people’s perceptions of gaming and esports are changing. It is no longer seen as just a form of entertainment, but also a legitimate profession and a pathway to a college education. So, the next time someone tells you to stop playing video games and focus on your studies, tell them that you may just be scoring a full ride scholarship to a Big-Ten school through your gaming skills.
In conclusion, esports scholarships have opened up a whole new world of opportunities for gamers. They not only provide financial aid but also help promote the sport and provide a pathway to higher education. As the world of esports continues to grow, we can expect to see more and more schools offering scholarships to talented gamers, making this once niche hobby a viable career option for many.
