Our very own Esports Club at Syracuse University Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CS:GO) Team defeated Northeastern University 3-1 taking home first place on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, from the FACE IT Collegiate Recreation Championship Series. As a national championship, it is one of the largest collegiate CS:GO tournaments in North America.
The winning team included the following:
Throughout the regular season CS:GO had a successful record of 4-1. As second seed of the playoffs, they defeated Rochester Institute of Technology 2-0 and California Polytechnic State University 2-0.
“Our games are often the highlights of our week and something we are always looking forward to. Being champions was just a great way to top off an experience which was already so much fun,” says CS:GO team captain, Anthony Solt ’25.
CS:GO’s many successes came as a result of great dedication. To prepare for their season and competitions, the team spent countless hours reviewing strategies, scrimmaging against other teams and working individually to build their skills. Through these long practices and a shared desire to win, they achieved their goals and built inseparable friendships.
The team members are also agents of change and actively work to break the social stigmas they’ve encountered within the world of gaming.
“One of the best things about this victory is being able to put the spotlight on what can be achieved through video games. It’s very unfortunate that video games and more specifically competitive esports, have such a social stigma. By winning this league, I think it showcases what great things can happen when you create a team of individuals who all have a similar passion and collective goal,” says Solt.
Solt and team encourage all students, regardless of skill-level, to explore free esports experiences on campus.
“It’s really incredible to see how this computer game was able to create a community from individuals who probably would not have met otherwise,” Solt says. “I think that this win is significant for the future of esports at Syracuse University because it shows how communities and success can be cultivated through video games.”
From first-time experiences to sharping skills, in-person to virtual, to digital and tabletop games, the Barnes Center at The Arch Esports Gaming Room has something for everyone. Additional highlights include free student access to state-of-the-art PCs, consoles, virtual reality experiences, an expansive game library and a variety of events that support learning, all interests and connecting with peers.
Story by Division of the Student Experience communications intern Haley Mykytka ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts
