Tech’s esports team placed third in Valorant and second in Overwatch in the Volan 22 tournament on March 25-27. The tournament, hosted by the University of Tennessee (UTK), had a prize pool of $700.
Volan is a tournament held in person at UTK. They invite all collegiate level competitors to participate in their prize pool. Over 250 players from across the southeast competed in the Student Union ballroom together.
Tech’s esports team has competed in the tournament every year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it has been two years since the tournament was held.
Jake Brown, Tech esports vice president, began competing in 2016, but he found his passion for it while being a part of Tech’s team.
“Being in Tech’s Esports Club gives you the opportunity to be part of a large and active community within the school that shares similar interests as you,” Brown said.
Brown competed in the Valorant competition at Volan 22. Tech esports went 5-3, making them claim third place overall. Along with placing third in Valorant, they placed second in Overwatch.
The winners of the tournament won a percentage of the $700 prize pool, with first place receiving 70% of the prize and second place receiving 30%.
Players competing in this tournament are required to bring their own gear, including peripherals and a 6-foot ethernet cable. Limited equipment is present at the site.
Each competitive event has its own requirements, but overall, the tournament is open to all ages and skill levels. PC games are open only to college students, and players or teams from any university are allowed to join in.
Brown believes anyone can become a competitor in esports.
“When I first got to campus, I wasn’t sure what clubs or organizations I wanted to be a part of, but I ended up finding the Esports Club, and I am glad I did! Whether you enjoy playing casual games or competing against other top colleges across the nation, the Esports Club has something to offer everyone!” Brown said.
Jamison “Menti” Boyd, team alumni and former president, shared his insight on what the environment is like in esports.
“The friendly environment, the adrenaline you get from competing, playing on a team can help you grow as an individual as well as a group,” Boyd said.
With three Valorant teams, one Overwatch team, one League of Legends team and one Rainbow Six Siege team, all gamers have a chance of finding a place for themselves in esports.
Brown welcomes any options for new games if there are enough members joining the team for it.
For more information about Tech’s esports team, visit their social media pages on https://linktree.com/tntechesports .