ATHENS, Ohio – Gaming was once considered a past-time hobby, but now, it has become a competitive sport. Currently, nearly 300 high schools have a North America Scholastic Esports Federation-affiliated esports team. Ohio University recently hosted 20 of these schools at the Esports Ohio Central-Southeast Regional Tournament in the OHIO Esports Arena. 

The tournament took place Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17, 2024, with more than 150 high school students competing in popular games like Fortnite, Overwatch, Rocket League, Smash and Valorant. This is the first time and event like this has taken place on Ohio University’s campus. 

“We are part of a well-run program, a good team of skilled individuals with great student involvement and hosting this tournament allowed us to prove it,” said Blake Gall, a senior computer science major and OHIO Esports broadcast coordinator. “Everyone was excited to come to Athens, Ohio, and compete at a venue like this.” 

Esports students also handled all broadcasting and livestreaming of the Central-Southeast Regionals. Students like Gall and McCamish are used to broadcasting OHIO’s Mid-American Conference Esports Collegiate team but eagerly accepted the challenge of streaming a larger event with far more matches. 

With the success of this year’s tournament, the OHIO Esports Arena is sure to see more use as a public venue in the future including hosting the Esports Ohio Central-Southeast Regional Tournament which will likely become a permanent fixture for experiential learning in the esports field. 

Other Esports and Gaming Opportunities at OHIO 

  • The Esports Arena in Scripps Hall not only hosts tournaments but is a resource available for all students, faculty and staff to enjoy. 
  • Bobcat Esports club is OHIO’s primary organization for students interested in esports and provides opportunities for all skill levels. 
  • The OHIO Esports team competes in the Mid-American Conference Esports Collegiate. 
  • OHIO’s esports certificate allows students to explore the industry and add an academic credential with a focus on game design, information technology or business. 
  • The OHIO Eastern Esports Center is another competition space, and the first on a regional campus, dedicated to the growing industry of esports; the OHIO community is currently working to increase the presence of esports on additional regional campuses as well.