The Colorado State University Esports Team stands as a remarkable student-led organization, actively participating in a diverse range of online and in-person tournaments. This dynamic club encompasses various popular games such as League of Legends, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, Valorant, and Call of Duty.

Founding and Growth

Established in January 2019, the CSU Esports Team has witnessed remarkable expansion and now counts over 50 members. Under the astute leadership of President Ben Gregg, the team has achieved impressive success. Just last Sunday, on November 17th, they hosted their annual Game Swap event. During this event, each team was assigned a different game, and they competed against another team playing a distinct game. This unique setup not only enhanced their gaming skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the members.As President Ben Gregg stated, "Our teams are better than they’ve ever been. We have more players than we’ve ever had, and they’re friends with each other more than they’ve ever been. So I think as a club, we’re definitely growing in a really healthy way."

Debunking Misconceptions

One of the most prevalent misconceptions about esports is that the players are lazy and waste time playing video games. However, team captain and Counter-Strike 2 in-game leader Aashay Patel firmly disagrees. He emphasized that the esports team takes pride in their dedication to their games. They possess an in-depth knowledge of their games and engage in rigorous daily practice to enhance their skills. Just like other athletes, they are passionate about their sport and strive to prove that esports deserve the recognition it receives.Patel further explained, "We, like any other athletes, are passionate about our sport and do our best to prove why Esports deserve the attention it gets."

Opportunities for Members

Joining the CSU Esports Team offers numerous opportunities, especially for first-year students. Club members have the chance to form friendships with like-minded classmates, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and be part of a larger community that aligns with their interests while still accommodating their school schedules.Each team within the club has the flexibility to create their own practice schedule. For instance, the Counter-Strike 2 team practices from 8-10 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This schedule is subject to change based on homework and the availability of players. Additionally, to remain in the club, members must maintain a 2.5 GPA. This emphasis on academics ensures that the team members are well-rounded individuals.

Progress and Challenges

Although the CSU Esports Team has made significant progress this year, with the Call of Duty team placing second in the National Barstool Tournament, there is still room for improvement. The team is underfunded by the university, likely due to a lack of publicity. As James Beattie Jr., a member of the Call of Duty team, pointed out, "Obviously, we’re not bringing the revenue football does. We get funds, we get support from The Rec and sports clubs, but if we saw a little bit more support on the varsity level, … I think we would be a lot better. … So I think having a little more recourses from the university would put us in a better spot."Despite these challenges, the team continues to grow and thrive, providing members with an unforgettable esports experience.More information about the CSU Esports Team, including details on how to join or support, can be found on their Discord. Reach Riley Paling at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @rileypaling.