Baylor’s Esports Team Claims First Conference Title With Perfect Record

The U.S. government recently put out a call to gamers to apply for air traffic control jobs. They may want to focus their efforts in Central Texas on Baylor and its Esports program.

Baylor Esports Secures Historic Conference Title in Debut Season

For those still asking, "Is esports really a thing?" the answer at Baylor University is a championship-winning, yes. Just months after launching its first varsity esports program, the Bears have already won their first conference trophy.

A Perfect Season in "Year Zero"

Competing in the Power Esports Conference (PEC) against heavyweights like Michigan State, Ohio State, and Syracuse, Baylor’s Rocket League team recently achieved the unthinkable. In their inaugural season, the team went on a flawless 20-0 run, ending in a victory over Boise State in the PEC Grand Finals. The match, held at the HyperX Esports Arena inside the Luxor Pyramid in Las Vegas, officially put Baylor on the national map.

Esports Leads to Great Careers

Program Head and Baylor Alumni Adam Stanley, sees this success as a bridge to great careers after college. On the Baylor website, Stanley said, “The data tells us that about 38% of students interested in esports have an interest in engineering and computer science."

Read More: Baylor University Opens ARKTOS Center For Cold Weather Military Training 

Building a Digital "Gymnasium"

While the varsity squad is the tip of the spear, the program is built on a tiered structure.

Varsity: Roughly 25 scholarship and walk-on student-athletes competing in games like Rocket League, Valorant, Super Smash Bros., and Overwatch.

Academy Level: A "Junior Varsity" tier with 50 competitors representing BU.

Oso Esports: A club-level program for casual yet competitive play.

Making Gaming an In Person Experience

Stanley sees the program as a way to remove the negative aspects of gaming. He feels by drawing students out of isolated, often toxic online environments and into common spaces, the program has a positive rather than negative effect.

Waco: The Esports Capital of Texas

The momentum is only growing. As April turns to May, Waco is set to host a massive double-header of gaming events:

Texas Scholastic Esports Federation State Championships: High schoolers will compete at Baylor’s Hurd Welcome Center from April 30 to May 2.

Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup: National collegiate talent will descend upon the Waco Convention Center from May 1 to May 3.