The Southern Miss ESports players are gearing up with new equipment and partnerships for upcoming tournaments and events for the gaming season.
The Southern Miss ESports team is preparing for another season this semester with all new equipment and technology for its players. The organization currently has 26 teams and 124 players for this season, competing in games ranging from first-person shooters like Call of Duty and Overwatch to sports games like Rocket League and EA College Football. ESports players are getting a chance to play on brand new PCs starting this fall that they have received from a Lenovo partnership, as well as other new equipment such as headsets, keyboards and more. There has also been mentions of the possibility of VR gaming in the future, both for the ESports arena and for casual play for students in the gaming room.
David Dickert, the coordinator for ESports, has already expressed a positive outlook for upcoming competitions and events.
“The season is going to be good,” said Dickert. “We’ve already had players do well… I think we’re well positioned to do great things.”
The team will not only be competing in several conferences this season, but some players have even progressed to professional national championships to show off their individual skills, according to the coordinator.
Southern Miss ESports is also partnering with the US Army this semester for Call of Duty Land in November, to celebrate the release of the franchises’ newest game, Black Ops 6. The organization will be inviting other schools from across the country to compete at Southern Miss in this event, giving all of the schools a chance to showcase their own teams and talents. The Mississippi High School Activities Association, who has a newly developed ESports team, will be hosted by Southern Miss in December.
“I think most teams are going to do really well,” said Jeff Hughes, a coach for one of the university’s collegiate teams.
Southern Miss students are able to watch players on the team during the arena’s open hours, even if they are not a signed player or gaming club member. Those who may be interested in watching or joining the ESports team can visit their website as well for information, upcoming events, and how to get involved. They can also be found on Twitch, X, Facebook and Youtube on social media under Southern Miss ESports.