Online Classes – Now what do we do in athletics?

Many college students are facing a fall of online classes in different states across the country. The challenges in providing meaningful athletic competition with a sense of balance with the academic program are great for most schools. It is time for many schools to think outside the box of traditional sports and find ways to engage today’s student. What athletic experiences can universities provide to their students that will keep them interested, safe and not be in jeopardy of a shutdown? How about online competition in Esports?

Many universities and colleges like Akron, Boise State and Robert Morris added Esports over the past several years as the interest in electronic gaming has grown amongst their student population. Those who added Esports were ahead of the curve especially as it pertains to being able to provide their students a form of competitive competition during the pandemic.

Esports is one of the areas in the economy that has grown dramatically during coronavirus challenges. Many traditional sports, especially at the professional level, cancelled their competitions according to a recent report by Esports organization Fnatic.  Esports, although having to cancel some in person competitions, has fared well during the pandemic and has transitioned many of its competitions online. It is one of the few ventures where an in person competition can be transitioned online without changing the experience of the viewers at home. And best of all, the competitor can compete from anywhere as long as they have the necessary Internet and electronic setup.

During the pandemic, viewership on Twitch saw an increase of 17% in hours watched and participation in Esports skyrocketed. This is a ready-made target audience of potential recruits for many colleges who are seeking to find ways to enrich the college experience of their students. As colleges and universities are trying to find value in providing a well-rounded college experience to their students, Esports is one option to provide necessary competitive opportunities for those who seek it.