By Wyatt Garrett
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Sporting competition extends off the field and onto the computer screen at the University of Arkansas.
League of Legends, an online game, sees between seven to eight million unique users daily. It is currently at the peak of its popularity, and at the University of Arkansas, students look to join the action.
The university’s esports club has roughly 50 to 75 members this semester. Membership has increased by over 20 people over the last year. The club plays League of Legends, Overwatch, Super Smash Brothers and other popular games.
Payton Tucker, a League of Legends player in the esports club, appreciates the university’s efforts in competitive gaming.
“Just the fact that the university has something like this is pretty nice to participate in,” Tucker said.
Jonathan Elliott, assistant director for club and intramural sports at the University of Arkansas, believes the development of esports on campus is no surprise.
“It’s definitely grown tremendously within the past two or three years,” said Elliott. “I think there’s incentive for people to want to play. There definitely is a career with gaming.”
Tucker is thankful for the opportunities that esports has provided him.
“It’s something I did before, like a hobby,” said Tucker. “Now I can do it to earn scholarships, money and make friends.”
The League of Legends team recently won $1,200 by taking first place at a tournament in Fort Smith. The prize money was split between the five team members.