There have been a variety of virtual events this semester, some to inform and some to simply have fun. This unique Esports tournament is a consistent event that has been put on since the pandemic started. On April 17, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 p.m. Sonoma State Esports held a virtual tournament for players and students alike on both Discord and Twitch. The tournament was open to all Sonoma State Students with free access and opportunity to watch or play in various games.

This tournament held games for Overwatch, League of Legends, Super Smash Brothers, and Rocket League, where players fought to the battle for the top spot on the esports scoreboard. Winners are still yet to be determined. League of Legends, a popular game invented in 2009 has seen a massive growth in regular players. According to writer Brian Crecente from the Washington Post, the game has seen exponential growth, “Where 20,000 players seemed unreasonably high in 2009, League typically has 8 million playing on any given day in 2019.” Places like online worlds in games that bring millions of people to collectively gather for the same purpose are one of a kind. 

Like many of the university’s virtual events, this is an interactive way to have fun safely outside the classroom in less than normal circumstances. This virtual tournament is providing a place for a community to join in their shared interest in these games. 

Although many members miss the in person tournaments where they felt they could truly collaborate with their teammates, students are staying positive and still enthusiastic about adapting to this virtual platform. Any opportunity to share a passion or interest with others is significant for many people right now, in what has been an unprecedented time.

In addition to accessing the Esports tournament, the Seawolf Living Events page is a helpful resource for all students interested in upcoming virtual events ranging in various different topics.

The University is committed to the wellbeing of their students and being able to provide different resources regardless of circumstances. The programs are taking pride in serving students and aiming to impact their virtual learning experience. 

The collaboration of students and faculty to put on virtual events that serve multiple purposes for the community has been dynamic since the pandemic began. The Esports tournament is entirely student run and is open to all students, and an outlet to meet people in a socially distanced environment in lieu of in person gaming.

Many students are excited for future events and the possibility of the event returning to the Student Center, where it was previously held annually for all interested participants and players to join. There is anticipation as things change, but the virtual tournaments continue to be a mutually beneficial source of fun for students outside of their schoolwork, and other responsibilities.

Many are interested to see what will come next for the Esports tournaments and event plans as different restrictions begin to change and campus rules adapt to the new normal. Only time will tell how and when this and other events will be safe to return to. To check out more upcoming Esports and virtual events head to the Seawolf Living page. Sonoma State Esports is also active and posting updates on their Twitter and Instagram pages.