Esports events have become a growing part of campus recreation at California Baptist University. Organized through the Recreation Center, this fall’s six esports events range from casual gaming nights during Welcome Weekend to organized tournaments with prizes. Last semester, CBU hosted four esports events.
These events give students opportunities to find common ground and connect through competition without the physical activity involved in traditional intramural sports.
Scott Brashear, intramural coordinator, helps organize esports events and create opportunities for students to get involved.
“I find great joy helping create a space for students to come and build community they otherwise wouldn’t have,” Brashear said.
Esports gives students a chance to compete and connect in person through a shared interest in video games. Brashear believes the in-person environment adds something different to the gaming experience.
“It’s one thing to play with random people online… but to have a close intense game come down to the wire in person just adds another level of excitement,” Brashear said.
Unlike playing online, in-person esports events allow students to experience competition alongside others, creating opportunities for shared excitement and interaction.
Brashear works with student leaders to plan and organize the events. Nathan Richardson, junior aviation management major and recreation center student worker, helps decide which events to host and how they will be organized.
“[This] experience has been fun to interact with students,” Richardson said.
Richardson has enjoyed helping bring students together while participating in the community himself. He hopes to see the esports program continue to develop.
“I see the future is bright as we attract more students and integrate esports more into the university,” Richardson said.
Expanding the number of games and events could give students more opportunities to participate, particularly those balancing busy schedules. Offering different gaming experiences may encourage new students to attend and returning participants to stay involved.
Peter Smith, junior business administration major, has attended several esports events and has a personal connection to gaming.
“I was super pumped when I saw the Smash Bros one my freshman year because I played a bunch of Super Smash Bros growing up with my brothers,” Smith said.
For Smith, esports provides a way to connect with others through an interest he has enjoyed since childhood. He has seen how these events bring together students with different personalities and experiences.
“Doing something that they love and they’re passionate about, and its super fun to just kind of see them come out of their shells in that environment,” Smith said.
The shared interest in gaming creates opportunities for students to interact, compete and build relationships.
Intramural esports continues to provide another avenue for students to get involved on campus. As the program expands its games and events, more students may have opportunities to connect with others and find community through gaming.
