By Steven Erbacher
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— The university hosted a regional Super Smash Brothers Ultimate tournament this passed weekend.
There were around 100 gamers who packed the Verizon Ballroom in the student union to compete or watch the tournament put on by UARK E-sports.
Of the many gamers who showed up, the majority were from the Northwest Arkansas area. There was one, however, who came from Norman, Oklahoma, and attracted much attention while visiting this weekend.
Jestise Negron is the 17th ranked Smash Ultimate player in the world, according to the Panda Global Rankings (PGRU).
He goes by the gaming name MVD and he made his statement on campus by sweeping the tournament, winning each match decisively. Before he became a star in the gaming community, he always had a support system.
“My mother used to drive me four hours to Orlando just for me to compete in these competitions,” said Negron. “She didn’t have to do that. She could’ve said no.”
Negron is now a full-time professional gamer with Thunder Gaming. He makes his living traveling and competing in Smash tournaments.
“I’ve been around the world for playing a video game,” Negron said. “Not many people can say they’ve gone to as many places.”
Negron is now 27 years old, and his fan base continues to grow. He said that it still surprises him when he is approached by fans in public.
“Families will come up to me and tell me that on Sunday or Saturday nights, whenever the Smash tournament is, they’re all in the living room watching me play,” he said. “It’s amazing how family nights are usually movie nights, and now it’s become ‘let’s watch the Smash tournament, let’s cheer for someone.’ That’s amazing. That’s crazy.”
Negron has made over $26,000 in tournament earnings. With earnings and other endorsements, he earns enough money to make a living. He said he uses his education, a business degree from Florida International University, to help him adjust to the gaming life. He stressed the importance of education and encourages young gamers to stay in school.
“There’s always going to be a place for someone like me who’s very well rounded with business and e-sports,” he said. “There’s definitely opportunities for people in e-sports who get their degree.”
Negron said becoming a professional gamer was one of the best decisions of his life.
“It’s been an incredible ride, I just hope it doesn’t end any time soon,” he said.