UWindsor To Launch Esports Program This September

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The University of Windsor is set to launcg the first official university-level competitive intercollegiate esports team in Canada this September that will bring together students from across campus to celebrate their passion for competitive video gaming.

Esports is a billion-dollar industry worldwide that features both professional and recreational teams in online gaming competitions. In 2019, esports had an online viewing audience of 443 million, with numbers continuing to grow. At the time of writing there are more than 200 collegiate esports teams in the United States and Canada, including St. Clair College.

The initial launch will involve a modest investment with a vision toward growth says Cindy Crump, director of the Student Success and Leadership Centre, which will be the home base of Lancer Gaming.

“Esports represents a great way to enhance the student experience and raise the profile of the University across the globe,” Crump says. “We’re excited to start a conversation with partners who want to see the University grow in this way.”

Lancer Gaming will make resources available for students to participate, including a room in Vanier Hall outfitted with high-speed internet and gaming consoles for those without access to suitable equipment.

The University plans a 10-person team to represent UWindsor in upcoming international League of Legends tournaments and to have the school join the Ontario Post-Secondary Esports league set to launch this fall.