Although traditional sports on Eastern’s campus get more attention, there is another team that has been going up against Division I schools and winning. From intense battles to building a strong community of gamers on campus, Eastern’s esports team is growing in size and popularity.
The esports team is under the leadership of coach Josh Franklin and has been around for six years. While the team has played a variety of games throughout their history, they currently play Valorant, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, League of Legends, Overwatch Rocket League and Marvel Rivals. Each game brings opportunities for strategy, strengthening skills and teamwork, while also winning trophies.
Most recently the Eagles defeated NYU in Valorant with a score of 2-0 on Oct. 12.
While competing teams are a big part of the esports lab, it is not just for competitive players. It’s a place where all students can come together, enjoy gaming and grow in their community on campus. As Franklin explains, “All students, regardless of their skill level or how seriously they take the games they are interested in, are welcome to come and utilize the equipment and be a part of our community.”
Junior Evan Chacon knows firsthand about the community involved. He started in the program as a first-year student and, since then, has become an intern for the esports team and a member of the Valorant team. Alongside Franklin, he works hard to spread the word about the Eastern esports program and works to include more students on their teams.
As collegiate esports bring new opportunities for gamers right on campus, Eastern is at the forefront of that opportunity. With an exciting space located in Centennial Hall, feel free to join the team or leave your dorm and hang out with people who have shared interests.
To learn more about the program, get involved competitively or just use the space, email Franklin at joshua.franklin@eastern.edu to get started. To watch their streamed games, head to twitch.tv/easternesports.
