Randolph-Macon College’s new eSports program has become enormously popular since its inception in 2018. RMC is a member of The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and proudly competes with a 22-member team comprised of students from a variety of academic disciplines, years, and backgrounds. RMC eSports athletes enjoy nationwide competitions and great community support thanks to a student program that is fast-paced, challenging, and a unique and exciting spectator experience.

Worldwide Popularity
eSports (also known as electronic sports) is a form of computer-based gamer competitions across a variety of video games which showcase gaming strategy, speed, and skillful execution. Collegiate eSports takes the form of organized multiplayer video game competitions between colleges and universities.

Popular both nationally and internationally, eSports competitions regularly sell out major stadiums and arenas, with growing and devoted fanbases. The most common genres found within eSports are real-time strategy, fighting, first-person shooter (FPS), and multiplayer online battleground arena (MOBA).

Excellence and Sportsmanship
Randolph-Macon’s eSports program is headed by Assistant Dean of Students Dr. James McGhee, as well as a group of eSports team mentors and leaders.

RMC is one of few liberal arts colleges offering scholarships for incoming eSports athletes, providing financial aid to support eSports undergraduates who will compete in one, or more, of the NACE league competitions.

“We are excited to be a member of the National Association of Collegiate eSports and to compete in Collegiate Star League, College League of Legends, TESPA, and the upcoming ESPN Collegiate Championship,” says McGhee, who was interviewed in 2018 for an article in Richmond Magazine about the popularity of eSports. “Our eSports athletes are committed to excellence and sportsmanship, and I enjoy seeing them interact with each other, recruits, and with other teams.”

Exciting Endeavors
RMC eSports athletes compete against schools such as Rochester Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Carnegie Mellon University, Shenandoah University, and Old Dominion University. eSports athletes use customized, state-of-the-art gaming systems to train and compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Hearthstone and Rocket League. In fall 2019, eSports will expand again to include Counter Strike: Global Offensive, and Fortnite.

Live Streaming + Social Media
RMC streams competitive play on its Twitch channel. Twitch is a live streaming video platform allowing for anyone across the globe to tune in and watch eSports competitions. The RMC Twitch Channel allows viewers to watch any current streaming match and access all previously recorded matches. Visit the online schedule of streaming matches, and be sure to follow the team’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages.

New Opportunities
RMC’s eSports team consists of 22 players, all of whom boast strong GPAs, on-campus leadership, and a passion for eSports.

Jared Maunz ’20 (business major; political science minor) enjoys competing against other colleges while playing his favorite game, Rocket League.

“It gives me a chance to use my talent in a way that will benefit the college,” says Maunz, the recipient of an eSports scholarship and RMC’s Dean’s Award. “The best part about being a Yellow Jacket is the fact that people care about you and that you are not just a face in the crowd. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Sydney Hall ’22, a computer science major, has for many years enjoyed playing video games in her free time.

“They provide both stress relief and entertainment,” says Hall, the recipient of RMC’s Trustees Scholarship. “Being a member of the eSports team has opened me up to meeting new people. It’s also great to be part of something new and growing.”

McGhee notes, “eSports is the next big thing in athletics and entertainment. The industry is creating new opportunities for exciting careers that did not exist a year ago. The EDGE, RMC’s four-year career preparation program, is uniquely positioned to help athletes translate their experiences into these new careers in a burgeoning industry.”