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Syracuse University made esports history by hosting the largest in-person collegiate esports regular season match ever. The event took place on Saturday (September 20) at Syracuse's Gaming and Esports Center and featured teams from Syracuse, Michigan State, Boise State, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln competing in Rocket League.
Joey Gawrysiak, Syracuse University's executive director of esports, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, "We are treating this as a real special occasion because nobody’s ever done what we’re doing today." The match was part of the Power Esports Conference and marked a milestone in college esports by bringing together multiple teams for an in-person regular-season match on a college campus.
The event drew high energy from both gamers and spectators. Alex Ortiz, a varsity Rocket League player at Syracuse, described the experience as incredible, saying, "This is what people dream of when they play video games." Typically, esports are played online, but this event allowed gamers to compete face-to-face, creating a unique atmosphere.
The event is part of a larger vision that has been in development for several years. According to Gawrysiak, it has been in the works from the Chancellor’s office for about three or four years to create something impactful for both current and future learners at the institution.
With players on stage, fans in the crowd, and the gaming world watching, the kickoff was more than just a match. It’s a moment that could reshape the future of collegiate esports.