SRU hosting first-ever PASSHE Esports Tournament

Slippery Rock University is hosting the first-ever PASSHE Esports Tournament. Previous esports tournament hosted by the University were conducted on campus for SRU students, but the PASSHE tournament will be online and students from schools throughout the State System are invited to compete.

Feb. 23, 2021

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Which school has the best esports gamers in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education? That question will be answered in the coming months as Slippery Rock University will host the first-ever PASSHE Esports Tournament. The online event is open to student competitors from all 14 State System institutions, playing tournaments with three days each dedicated to one video game: Mario Kart 8, Feb. 28; Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, March 28; and CS:GO, April 25.

   SCHULTZ

"This tournament is a chance for students across the state to connect in virtual setting and grow the esports community," said Adam Schultz, a junior dual computing and philosophy major from Emmaus, who is president of the Esports Club at SRU. "Esports has a large presence at SRU and we're excited to host a tournament for students from across the state."

Each event begins at noon. Competitors can register online using their school email address. Spectators can watch the quarterfinal, semifinal and final rounds via a stream on the Esports Club at SRU's Twitch account.

The PASSHE Esports Tournament is being organized by the Esports Club at SRU, SRU Campus Recreation and SRU's Office for Student Engagement and Leadership. Each tournament will be comprised of students competing as individuals but representing their schools. First prize for each event is $150, and the total prize pool for all three events is $500.

"This is a unique way to feed the competitive spirit in a virtual setting at a time when people aren't gathering in-person," Schultz said. "One of our objectives is to provide those from other universities an opportunity to compete against other college students and provide opportunities that might not be available at their campus or in their local esports scenes."

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854  | justin.zackal@sru.edu