Scholarship money on the line as Durham College hosts eSports tournament - Durham | Globalnews.ca

It’s no secret that eSports are growing in popularity faster than ever and finding a big footprint at post-secondary campuses across the province.

In fact, Durham College just opened its own eSports gaming arena in April, and this weekend it’s hosting a big competition — one with a lot of scholarship money up for grabs.

Competitors from 13 colleges and universities will be going head-to-head in the Collegiate Rocket League Live Finals, and there will be plenty of fans on hand.

For first-year Durham College welding student Dallas Smith, eSports is serious business.

He’s in the midst of training, honing his skills for a big competition.

“Last few months being able to practice with the team, facing other teams for practice to know what we’re going up against,” said Smith.

The 18-year-old has been playing Rocket League for the past four years, or what can easily be described as car soccer.

READ MORE: Durham College opens eSports gaming arena

“It gets to you when you know that there’s a prize,” said Smith.

And a big prize is exactly what Smith has his eyes set on.

This Saturday, gamers from post-secondary schools across Ontario will converge at Durham College. They’ll be putting their skills to the test at the first provincial collegiate eSports tournament to offer scholarship money to winning student athletes, with $7,000 up for grabs.

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