Maverick Esports and open gaming play is underway

Coming into the new school year, Maverick Esports community decided to hold an open gaming play event to get to know the varsity players during Welcome Week.

Now that tryouts are concluded, the varsity players are looking forward to playing in a tournament setting. Maverick Esports Head Coach Jacquie Lamm volunteered to get to know the facility and get to know the players and machines. Particularly, Lamm is most excited about the Call of Duty and Warzone and believes by hosting these events is what sets Minnesota State University, Mankato apart from the university Esports programs across the country.

Esports is the newest and becoming more popular because those who participate can play games and go to events while getting to know people with the same interest. The varsity players, specifically the mavericks, are planning to participate in Esports after this event; some involve off campus travel to other states.

Tylor, a freshman at MSU, wanted to branch out from his usual hobbies. Tylor likes to make new friends and in his opinion taking part in these events is the best way to make friends. Tylor joined Esports for the first time this year and really enjoyed it. He casually plays games like skyrim etc.

Nika, a sophomore at MSU, enjoys gaming and has been playing video games for most of his life. Nika enjoyed this event and is planning to get involved with the esports community. Before this event Nike had played some minor leagues for passing time but now is planning to join the Esports community for their next tournaments.

Sunday’s event was geared toward freshmen so they can get to know their Esports community and meet new players who are interested in joining the gaming community. Students that want to be part of something bigger than just the varsity program can join the Esports and Gaming Student Learning Community on campus. “The Learning Community in the campus dorms will surround you with other students who share an interest in gaming, while pairing you up with an upper-classman who will act as your mentor to help you improve your gameplay, at the same time as helping you make the transition to college living,” Lamm said. There is also a zero-toxicity policy in place at Maverick Esports, stating that any student that shows toxicity towards the game, opponents, or their teammates will be subject to termination of the program.

Header Photo: Maverick Esports and Open Gaming Play on Saturday during the Welcome Week in Wissink Hall. (Dylan Engel/The Reporter)

Write to Ayan Muhammad at ayan.muhammad@mnsu.edu