UNCW helps host statewide esports tournament quarterfinals

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Esports has been growing in popularity within schools in recent years and part of that growth taking place at UNCW this weekend.

UNC Greensboro’s Scholastic Esports Alliance in partnership with North Carolina Varsity Esports and STEM League (VESL) hosted an epsorts statewide tournament in Greensboro, Charlotte and Wilmington this past weekend. 230 North Carolina High School students across 81 teams from 59 high schools participated in what was the regional championship. Gamers competed in games such as Valorant, Overwatch 2, Rocket League and Super Smash Brothers. Hoggard’s Kevin Bautista said its great to see the growth of esports.

“It’s an important thing I think in what used to be a niche group you know, of people who just wanted to play games on your off time. Now it’s something that you can do professionally and I think its great that it’s starting to be something that’s growing much larger and you can easily get into it,” Bautista said.

The top four teams in each game were be invited to Greensboro for a statewide championship later this spring.