It's 8:00 PM. You're walking up the stairs of Beck Academic Hall to meet up with a classmate on the third floor. You plan to work on a paper that is in desperate need of review. As you approach your agreed-upon meeting location, you hear chatter coming from the room next door. You take a peek and see rows of brand-new gaming rigs with fresh new GAC logos imprinted on them. Along with a row of gaming chairs--the three crowns logo woven into the back of each one--a group of people are huddled around a monitor cheering on their teammate. As you peer in, the door creaks, and heads turn. A friendly voice from the group calls out and says, "Hey we're the new Esports program. Are you interested in joining?"
 
A new competition is taking center stage at Gustavus. Instead of fields or courts, students gather around screens, with their keyboards and mouse, to battle it out in the world of Esports. It's a scene that's redefining college athletics and captivating students like never before, creating a positive environment for all.
 
Esports has become a big deal worldwide, attracting fans from all over. Unlike regular sports that need physical strength, Esports happen online, with players competing from their desks. Even though college Esports are fairly new, Robert Morris University started it all in 2014 with its first official Esports team.
 
Despite skepticism surrounding its classification as a sport, Gustavus Adolphus College has embraced Esports wholeheartedly, creating 4 teams of dedicated students to games such as Overwatch, League of Legends, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros. Each of these teams has been competing at a top divisional play against other schools across the country.
 
Greatness on this virtual playing field doesn't come without the proud players and the managers behind the scenes who have helped raise this program from the ground up. One player who's been influential in the program is Danny Bies–better known as Danford–captain of the Gold squad in Super Smash Bros and a member of the Overwatch team. Along with Evan Haldeman–aka Jaeger–who is Gustavus Esports' first official Director, Danny is one of many to be responsible for the program's growth.
 
Gustavus Esports first started as a simple discord server with a handful of students interested in simply playing video games. Danny Bies was among those members seeking a community that allowed him to enjoy what he loved doing. After a couple of months, a server-wide message was sent out by Evan Haldeman that Esports was officially starting up.
 
"At this moment I was filled with pure excitement. I remember the nights I had nothing going on and just wanted to play games but had no one to play them with. Gustavus Esports has created that environment for me". Since then through practices and matches, Danny was appointed as one of the captains for the Super Smash Bros teams by his fellow teammates.
 
As captain, Danny has been able to give advice to other players and help them improve at the game they all share a love for. During matches, Danny is one of the team's competitors, but as a leader, he cares more about supporting his teammates and coaching them through the competition.
 
 "Coming in on those various nights to see how the team was doing or what advice I could give meant the world to me, to see my impact on their gameplay and even in my personal life is why I love being a part of the Esports program here".
 
Esports at Gustavus is more than just a space to lounge around and play video games all day, it is a place to create friendships. It's an environment of pure bliss and bonding where players find a haven of unity. A place that's beyond the walls of judgment and arrogance but for sharing raw emotions and joy.
 
Through those emotions, Danny also recalls his journey through the highs and lows of competitive gaming, particularly in the game of Super Smash Bros. As the captain of his Super Smash Bros team, he has experienced the excitement of victory and the crushing weight of defeat alongside his teammates.
 
One experience he recalls was a match during the North Star 2 Tournament in Saint Cloud, MN.
 
"Thinking back on one of the Super Smash Bros matches, tension was high.  Every move, every second felt like it could make or break the game. I ultimately lost that match. As the team captain, I knew I had to keep everyone focused and motivated so I got up, smiled, and shook my opponent's hand, then moved on to motivate my teammates as they still were playing."
 
Despite the tough times and hurdles they encounter, Danny stays focused on the pursuit of glory ahead. Even when things seem rough, he never loses sight of his goal, driven by the belief that redemption and success are just around the corner.
 
Times like these for Danny and his team are what propel the Esports program at Gustavus. Competition pushes them to their limits, bringing out both their strengths and weaknesses. But through it all, they stick together like a family, facing challenges and celebrating victories as one. It's this journey, with its ups and downs, that forges unbreakable bonds and keeps them motivated to keep pushing forward.
 
Behind the lines of competition, lies the never-ending dedication of individuals like Evan Haldeman, the program's first director, and foundation of leadership. Through restless nights and unforeseen challenges, Evan's unwavering commitment ensures a haven for players to thrive and grow.
 
Evan has been instrumental in launching Gustavus Esports into the competitive arena. Since his arrival, Gustavus has actively participated in the NACE Starleague, engaging in fierce competition with schools country-wide. Evan's oversight ensures that each match runs smoothly and that all teams are well-prepared.
 
Moreover, he has played a pivotal role in advocating for upgrades in equipment and space, leading to the establishment of their newly furnished Esports facility on the third floor of Beck Academic Hall. The facility boasts state-of-the-art gaming consoles, high-performance computers, and ergonomic gaming chairs, providing players with the ultimate gaming experience. With vibrant LED lighting illuminating the room and sleek, modern décor creating an inviting atmosphere, the Esports facility has quickly become a hub of activity for Esports enthusiasts. Evan's work and leadership don't stop in Esports; it goes well beyond his team. He actively seeks opportunities such as free public tournaments and open lab hours to involve the wider school community, showcasing his commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
 
"Gustavus Esports has given a great opportunity to a unique group of students that might not regularly attend events or games on campus. This Esports community has a common interest just as everyone else and the students now have an avenue to participate and compete all under one banner".
 
Evan is dedicated to cultivating a thriving environment where all students can flourish. Alongside his fellow gamers, he has created a positive opportunity for the Esports team and Gustavus students alike. Their most recent tournament in April showcased their skills in FC 24, a soccer-based video game, welcoming students back to campus after spring break. This event not only benefited Esports members but also contributed to the overall enjoyment of the Gustavus community.
 
As the monitors shut off on another day of digital battles, the legacy of Gustavus Esports pushes through—a testament to the power of community, brotherhood, and shared passion. In a world where pixels hold as much weight as pucks or balls, Gustavus Adolphus College stands as a pioneer, forging a new frontier where virtual skills know no bounds.