This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
At the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), Esports is more than just a game, it’s a community. This global video gaming industry is a rapidly growing, organized, and competitive sport that is offered at each of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges, providing a COVID-19 friendly community for students from all Colleges to meet and connect.
“Our Esports students are diverse, coming from many different degree plans and programs,” said Mike Curtis, MCCCD’s League Esports Adviser. “We’re building this big community where students are able to instantly make connections, and that comradery has helped students want to be on campus and engage more.”
Curtis is thrilled at the success of the Esports community and continues his goal of bringing it across the District, establishing designated Esports representatives at each College. More than 400 students currently participate in Esports across the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges, with Esports courses and an Esports certificate program being introduced to multiple Colleges this year.
For Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) student and Esports team member Cheyenne Nieto, competitive gaming has helped her find belonging.
“This community was very open and welcoming, and was a great way for me to make friends,” said Nieto. “I have my own little friend group now with students from all different colleges, which has helped me make friends all over the Valley.”
According to CGCC student and Esports president Peter La Mazza, the Maricopa Colleges Esports League is open to anyone, and prioritizes building relationships while having fun and winning with your colleagues. The league is currently recruiting competitive and passionate gamers to compete against each other and players from other leagues.
Watch to learn more about the Maricopa Colleges Esports League from Curtis and Nieto, in addition to hearing from Esports staff and faculty. To see the team in action, join players at Phoenix College January 8, 2022 for an all-day tournament.
To connect with an Esports representative at any of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges and get information about joining, please visit this link.