Is esports as majestic as one of our nation’s natural wonders, the Grand Canyon? This writer would like to think so. But in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, esports is picking up the pace, thanks to Grand Canyon University. Now, more than ever, GCU has begun to embrace esports.

Before 2018, GCU had a small facility set aside for participants of League of Legends and Overwatch. But as the years have gone on, this facility has grown seriously. GCU could be a real contender in the collegiate esports scene as the year goes on.

Going All In

In 2018, GCU went all-in on esports by founding the GCU Esports Arena. That wasn’t all! The GCU Esports student organization also came to life. At that time, 60 students got registered. By the end of the semester, though, 900 people were registered in this system!

This growth was so steady that a brand-new facility received a 3,300 square foot expansion, that now has a series of 72 PCs for general student use. They also tripled the console and lounge space, while doubling the student workforce.

Sounds like the university’s esports scene is growing by leaps and bounds! In Fall 2019, they tripled the number of new students esports registrations (over 750 in that semester alone). More than 1,300 people were a part of the Discord server.

As of this writing, GCU has 124 students competing in varsity/junior varsity esports squads. What do they play, though? It’s a nice variety of titles: Overwatch, League of Legends, Dota 2, Rainbow Six: Siege, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Rocket League, Fortnite, Apex Legends, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Hearthstone, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Teamfight Tactics, and more.

Esports brings people together, and it’s even creating on-campus jobs. People who may have never interacted before, or would not have, have come together to compete for glory, creating bonds that can last a lifetime.

STEM, Reaching Out

GCU Esports is an official part of the STEM sector of campus, under the umbrella of technology. Esports is a popular choice for entertainment in the 21st century. The university is also spending time marketing the esports department, as well as pointing it out during admissions.

This is an incredibly wise decision. You want potential students to know this awesome set up is there. Esports glory could be awaiting them if they can meet the standards and work together with their fellow students.

GCU Esports Coordinator Albert Lee is a major supporter of GCU’s focus on community. “I believe that a community-first approach is the catalyst towards creating a program that can drive forward the standard of success in North America. Without the support & passion of students, a university has nothing to invest in – as such, we invest the most back into the students themselves.” Albert is very mindful of another advantage of this community approach. “As more students participate in the community, we receive a greater pool of potential competitors for our teams to recruit.”

But GCU also brings something to their community, to help low-income schools practice and grow. It’s beautiful if you ask us. Each month, GCU partners with local high schools and invites students to visit the campus for a GCU Day tour. The GCU Esports Arena is reserved for their use on that day.

Also, those students receive a STEM-affiliated lesson, which is followed by all-day access to the gorgeous esports facility. GCU’s esports teams also travel to nearby low-income high schools and even reach out to distant campuses to provide online training and practice scrimmages to high school players.

You love to see it. It looks like GCU is looking out for their community. They’re likely using this as a way to scout out potential players for their collegiate teams. GCU has also added a high school tournament, where seven high schools do battle for prizes. In February 2020, GCU will launch prospective student tournaments as well. Students across Arizona will come and battle for scholarships and other prizes. See? They are scouting!

Lee reflects on the power of community. “I believe that the key to success for Grand Canyon University was not simply a single rule or investment, nor was it the act of building a facility or hiring full-time staff. Rather, GCU’s commitment to students was what paved the way to today’s growth. We have here at GCU a mutual effort by both the community and their student leadership, and not just the esports department, but the entire administration. Our commitment to growing together helps us understand the needs of our students while in turn providing the students with ownership and direction.”

It sounds to me like GCU understands what esports are about and are doing it for not entirely selfish reasons. They seem to understand that it brings people together and that there are more uses for esports than gaming. Tying it to their STEM system is smart, too. We want more people going into STEM degrees and utilizing awesome science and technology, even in esports. This is such a cool story. I hope more schools embrace esports like GCU has.