Ready, set, match as the Arkansas State University Esports team continues to grow. 

The esports team hosts a total of 60 players with an additional four being a part of the content team. 

Joseph Harvey, a freshman computer science major from Cherry Valley, Arkansas, said he wishes A-State would view esports more seriously. 

“I’m excited to see the days where the university recognizes us as a proper sport and where we potentially have scholarships for players because players with scholarships play better. Better players, more achievements, more money for the school.” Harvey said. 

The “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” player said if A-State gave the esports players more incentive to play, more monetary rewards would come to A-State. 

Fielding Belk, a doctorate student studying physical therapy from Collierville, Tennessee, said that the community around esports is strong. 

“The esports community on campus is incredible. There aren’t many places where you’ll find exchange students, Greek life and Honors students working together like you’ll see in esports practice and matches,” the esports director said.

Belk said players will play against players from other teams, so although they are separated into teams everyone can enjoy the other’s company. 

Belk said despite players being separated into teams based on the games they play, this does not stop players from playing against each other in their respective games. 

Steve Williams, a sophomore animal science major with an emphasis in pre-vet medicine from Sherwood, Arkansas, said this helps create a welcoming environment. Williams is the captain of the “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” team

Belk said esports can help combat stereotypes associated with gamers.

“Gamers have long been seen as slackers and time wasters. If you look at some of the major esports tournaments, you’ll realize that the top level of esports is very lucrative and people can make a lot of money and build their careers around gaming. Even if you aren’t at the top of the skill ladder, there are countless opportunities in the streaming and broadcasting realm of gaming,” Belk said. 

Williams said that the community has been accepting of everyone and their goal is to make people feel safe in their team.

“I can’t speak for everyone but when it comes to professional esports, all we really care about is the game and the fact that you share a common interest in that game. We (ASU esports) recently had someone in the trans community comment on how safe and welcoming they thought the Smash tournament they attended on campus was. They also mentioned that despite the fact that they weren’t performing well, they never felt that they would be mocked or anything like that,” Williams said. 

The esport teams will meet multiple times a week. They also have weekly matches and will sometimes review footage when needed to improve their game. 

Try-outs have ended, however, interested students can join esports by going onto their Discord or reaching out to Belk at william.belk@smail.astate.edu. Their Discord invite link can be found at @astateesports on Instagram. Their X, formerly known as Twitter, is @AStateEsports. 

Categories: Sports