Game On: UMW Esports Tournament Takes the Program to the Next Level

The University of Mary Washington’s esports program took center stage in the gaming world as it hosted its first large-scale collegiate tournament late last month, transforming the Cedric Rucker University Center Chandler Ballroom into a lively digital arena. Whizzes, bangs and friendly banter rang out, as teams from across the mid-Atlantic gathered face-to-face to compete in popular video games like Valorant, Rocket League and Overwatch 2.

UMW’s coed team – comprised of 13 starting players and three substitutes – welcomed competitors from Radford and Virginia Wesleyan, Penn State and Harrisburg University in Pennsylvania, and Glenville State in West Virginia. The event, which was open to the public, showcased players’ skill, strategy and teamwork, with the Mary Washington Eagles earning a pair of top-place finishes.

In Valorant, Harrisburg, Radford and UMW took the top three spots. In Overwatch 2, Penn State, UMW and Glenville State took the top three places. And in Rocket League, it was Harrisburg, Radford and Virginia Wesleyan placing in the top three.

“It’s a great opportunity for our players to compete in person, where the atmosphere is both fun and competitive,” UMW Director of Esports Mark Link said of the tournament, a culmination of the semester’s regional league play. “The playful back-and-forth between teams adds to the excitement and camaraderie of the event.”

This occasion highlights the expansion of esports at Mary Washington, which launched its program in the spring of 2022. In less than three years, it has flourished, providing students with opportunities for sportsmanship, competition and personal development comparable to traditional college athletics.

Teams from across the mid-Atlantic gathered face-to-face to compete in popular video games like Valorant, Rocket League and Overwatch 2. Photo by Suzanne Rossi.

UMW’s coed team displayed skill, strategy and teamwork, with the Eagles earning a pair of top-place finishes. Photo by Suzanne Rossi.

UMW’s Cedric Rucker University Center Chandler Ballroom was transformed into a lively digital arena for this face-to face esports competition. Photo by Suzanne Rossi.

This year’s tournament brought excitement and energy to campus, with teams competing for bragging rights and championship titles. Photo by Suzanne Rossi.

At UMW, esports is classified as a team sport under the Department of Athletics, and its players are considered student-athletes, benefiting from coaching, athletic training services and dedicated practice schedules. The team competes regionally in the Mid-Atlantic Esports Conference and nationally through the National Association of Collegiate Esports.

Under the leadership of Link, the program has rapidly expanded, with 52 student-athletes on the current roster and 100 expected by the team’s fifth year. High school seniors interested in competing at the college-level can contact Link directly for more information on admissions and the esports program.

A former collegiate esports athlete himself, Link brings a wealth of experience and a passion for mentoring students. “When we started, we had just a handful of students involved,” he said. “The growth has been fantastic.”

The program boasts a high-tech facility in the Cedric Rucker University Center, offering competitive opportunities in games like League of Legends, Fortnite and more, in addition to the games contested in the tournament. For casual players, the program includes a recreational component and club-level play.

UMW’s esports program boasts a high-tech facility in the Cedric Rucker University Center, offering competitive opportunities in a variety of games.

The esports suite at UMW is a spot for both competitive and recreational players of all levels.

UMW Director of Esports Mark Link encourages esports student athletes. Photo by Suzanne Rossi.

Esports offers opportunities for sportsmanship, competition and personal development comparable to traditional college athletics. Photo by Suzanne Rossi.

Esports at UMW enhances students’ co-curricular engagement, career development and friendships while reflecting the University’s unique student culture. Photo by Suzanne Rossi.

“It’s not just about gaming; it’s about using your people and analysis skills, formulating and executing plans, and dealing with high-pressure situations,” said Jake Lipinski, a junior computer science major who competes for UMW in Overwatch 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. “Esports has given me a chance to grow both as a player and a communicator. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me beyond graduation.”

It’s also an experience open to everyone. “We are really drawn to the inclusive nature of esports,” said UMW Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo in a story introducing the sport at Mary Washington. The program enhances students’ co-curricular engagement, career development and friendships while reflecting Mary Washington’s unique student culture.

“Esports in an excellent way for students to develop the cross-functional talents needed for the modern workplace,” said Jay Sinha ’07, a UMW alumnus and cybersecurity attorney with the Department of Justice, in a Q&A on the team’s website. “Players hone soft skills like effective communication, teamwork and flexibility, while also engaging technology concepts like system rules and user behavior.”

For more information on esports at UMW, contact Director of Esports Mark Link or visit esports on the athletics website.