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Our Mission 

The primary mission of this community is to develop learning focused, connected, and healthy individuals through competition, community, and esports experiences while preparing students for post-graduation with non-competitive industry training in their chosen field of study. 

How You Can Help

We have many options available for interested individuals, businesses, families or other parties to jump in and support the Southern Miss Esports Program. 

If someone is interested in making a philanthropic donation they can do so by using this  

We are also pleased to have a sponsorship program option available. For information on this program, you can contact David.dickertFREEMississippi 

What is ESports?

Professional Esports Overview

Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming. It involves professional players or teams competing against each other in various video games, often in organized tournaments or leagues. Esports has gained significant popularity in recent years, with millions of viewers and participants worldwide. 

In esports, players typically compete in multiplayer video games across different genres such as first-person shooters (FPS), multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), real-time strategy (RTS), fighting games, sports games, and more. These games are played on various platforms, including personal computers, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. 

Esports competitions are often held in large venues like stadiums or arenas, where spectators can watch the matches live. However, esports events are also streamed online, allowing viewers to watch and interact with the gameplay from the comfort of their own homes. Streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and others have played a significant role in the growth and popularity of esports. 

Professional esports players often form teams or join established organizations that provide support, training, and resources to compete at the highest level. These players can earn substantial incomes through salaries, prize money, sponsorships, and streaming revenue. Esports tournaments offer substantial prize pools, sometimes reaching millions of dollars, attracting top talent from around the world. 

Esports has become a global phenomenon, with a dedicated fan base and a thriving industry that encompasses not only players and teams but also event organizers, game developers, sponsors, advertisers, and streaming platforms. It has also gained recognition from traditional sports organizations and institutions, with some establishing their own esports divisions or investing in esports teams. 

Overall, esports represent the professionalization and competitive aspect of video gaming, bringing together passionate players, enthusiastic viewers, and a vibrant community that continues to grow. 

Collegiate Esports Overview

Collegiate esports, also known as varsity esports or university esports, refers to organized competitive video gaming at the collegiate level. It involves universities and colleges forming teams and competing against each other in various esports games and tournaments. 

Collegiate esports programs have emerged as educational institutions recognize the growing popularity and potential of esports. These programs provide opportunities for students to participate in competitive gaming while also pursuing their academic studies. Collegiate esports can be found in universities and colleges around the world, with dedicated teams, coaches, and support staff. 

In collegiate esports, teams representing different schools compete against each other in organized leagues or tournaments. These competitions can be game-specific or encompass multiple games. Some popular games in collegiate esports include League of Legends, Overwatch 2, Valorant, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Rocket League, and many others. 

Collegiate esports programs often offer scholarships and financial support to talented players, like traditional sports scholarships. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, housing, and other expenses. They aim to attract and support skilled players who can contribute to the success of the collegiate esports program. 

Aside from the competitive aspect, collegiate esports programs may also focus on academic and career development for students interested in various aspects of the gaming industry. This can include opportunities for internships, networking events, and access to resources and expertise related to game design, esports management, broadcasting, and more. 

Collegiate esports events are often streamed online, allowing students, faculty, and fans to watch and support their school's teams. These events can also attract a live audience, with matches being played in dedicated esports arenas or on-campus facilities. 

Collegiate esports provide a platform for students to showcase their skills, collaborate as a team, and pursue their passion for gaming while receiving the benefits of a higher education. It serves as a bridge between academics and the esports industry, preparing students for careers in various gaming-related fields while fostering a sense of community and school spirit.