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Esports Convention On Tap At Wichita State This Weekend

Courtesy of Wichita State University

Local gamers are ready to compete this weekend as Wichita State University hosts the 2020 Wichita Esports Convention.

Esports is a form of sporting competition through video games. The competitive gaming industry has seen rapid growth in the Midwest and the United States.

WSU is one of more than 150 universities with a varsity esports program recognized by the National Association of Collegiate eSports.

Midwest Esports, the company hosting the convention, aims to give gamers more opportunities to compete in a structured, competitive environment by hosting tournaments and conventions.

The convention is a two-day event open to competitive and casual gamers, and spectators. People can watch or compete in 20-plus gaming tournaments for cash prizes, play casually and attend panel discussions on gaming, such as “Being a Parent to a Gamer.”

Another panel discussion will include local teachers talking about the benefits gaming can provide to children.

“Data shows that like participation in any extracurricular activity, (gaming) ultimately develops a student holistically,” said Taylor Stephenson of Midwest Esports.

Those in attendance can also expect a variety of options when it comes to gaming. Midwest Esports will provide all of the games and equipment. Gamers can play PC, console or card games.

Games included at the convention are:

  • Street Fighter V
  • FIFA 20
  • Apex Legends
  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
  • Mortal Kombat 11
  • Madden NFL 20
  • Fortnite
  • League of Legends
  • Magic the Gathering
  • Rocket League

In addition, the Midwest Esports Conference – a traveling League of Legends conference that includes eight universities – will play a tournament at the convention.
Each of the eight universities gets to host the conference; WSU is this year’s host. WSU’s Esports team will compete in the League of Legends tournament.

The convention begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday and concludes at 5 p.m. Sunday. The convention will take place at the Bardo Center, located on WSU’s Innovation Campus.

David Garcia is an intern in the KMUW News Lab.