ISABELLA INZINNA
Staff Writer
When you think of playing a sports game, where do you imagine playing?
Most people probably imagine a basketball court or soccer field, but what about a computer?
Though you may not be familiar with the Fredonia ESports team, they are playing and competing every week. Alyssa Legrette, a senior transfer student in graphic design and president of the campus ESports club, walked us through what the ESports experience is like.
There’s a company called “League Spot,” which hosts the SUNY ESports league.
Legrette says they look at the list of games, then figure out where they have interest and what games will gain more interest.
Some popular games on the SUNY ESports list are Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Apex Legends and Valorant.
Legrette says, “This semester, we’re playing Overwatch, Super Smash Bros and Rocket League.”
She continued explaining the schedule for practices during the week. “Monday is Overwatch, Tuesday is Rocket League and Thursday is Smash Bros.”
The teams on campus don’t have a one-shot tournament, but for most of the semester, they are competing and practicing.
Many people may not be entirely sure how ESports works compared to a regular sports team.
“It’s structured similar to a team. They have practices, they don’t just meet up for tournaments,” said Legrette.
The ESports team is just as much of a commitment as a basketball or soccer team.
In some schools, ESports teams are just as prominent as any other sport. Some colleges even offer ESports scholarships.
Legrette said, “At my last school, their ESports program makes up a third of athletics. They’re a part of athletics.”
The league can be compared to many of the March Madness brackets that people are making and keeping track of. Legrette said, “Every week they play, record their scores in the system, then a bracket is made and played through.”
Last semester, the teams looked a bit different.
While the Overwatch 2 and Super Smash Bros teams existed, Fredonia also used to have a Valorant team.
Legrette said that all of the teams went to the playoffs.
With Super Smash Bros, not only did they make it to the playoffs, but they won the whole tournament.
AJ LaMacchina, who is currently in charge of the Super Smash Bros for ESports, won the tournament.
Legrette said, “We currently have the best Super Smash Bros player in the league as a SUNY Fredonia student.”
The ESports team is also a community to those involved. “It gives people a place to go and a place to meet up,” she said.
If you’re interested in joining, Legrette says to reach out, regardless of skill level.
The ESports Lounge, located in Schulz Hall, is open to all students looking to level up their skills.
The lounge is open all week with hours that work for almost anyone. Monday through Friday, the lounge is open 2 p.m. to midnight and on the weekends, noon to midnight.
Even if sports aren’t your thing, maybe you can excel in ESports.