eSports Players Can Get College Scholarship

An Ohio university is offering scholarships for eSports players in games such as Fortnite Battle Royale. But it’s not exactly going to pay your way through college.

Ashland University has a small but dedicated eSports program headed by Joshua Buchanan, a competitive Starcraft player and commentator on streaming coverage. The team will practice and compete in games including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, Overwatch and Rocket League.

The university is also planning to build a dedicated eSports arena in its library building. The idea is to get a head start for if and when a collegiate eSports league launches.

The scholarships are open to both current and prospective students and are worth up to $4,000 “based on player skill level and academic requirements.” As part of the application process, players must provide their account profiles, game handles and ranking information.

Staff will be on hand not just to coach the games, but also to help players make the most of their academic and social lives. Players will also have access to the same fitness facilities and trainers used by players on the university’s traditional sporting programs.