Missouri State University will host the second Missouri Valley Conference Esports Championship.
On April 12, the top four collegiate esports teams will compete in Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros in MSU's Level 1 Game Center in the Plaster Student Union. The event is free and open to the public. Matches start at 10 a.m. and conclude at 5:30 p.m.
Esports, short for electronic sports, are gaming events where players compete against each other. The esports market is expected to reach a value of over $10 billion dollars within the next 10 years, according to Statista. In 2021, more than 84 million Americans streamed esports content, Springfield Sports Commission Executive Director Lance Kettering said in 2022, while 79 million Americans watched MLB content. The SSC established a Springfield Esports Coalition in 2022.
MSU will have three esports teams competing, with a total of 16 students. Each student will receive a $1,500 scholarship within the MVC esports program. It is the first year scholarships have been awarded.
“Our esports program has experienced significant growth and increased student interest over the past two years,” said Terry Weber, Plaster Student Union director and esports advisor, in a press release. “In addition to adding scholarships, the Level 1 Game Center has become a central hub for esports and fostering a strong and engaged student community.”
For the students, esports is a way of enriching their college experience.
“For me, esports has been an extremely valuable part of my experience since I often struggle to get out and go to events,” said Keegan Harper, sophomore Overwatch player, ...
