UTD Esports Off and Running

08.22.2018

**UPDATE**

The UTD esports program had a stellar inaugural season (see our video series below)! Most recently, they earned its first athletics national championship last month, and it was its newest squad that secured the title — the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team.

Original Story

08.22.2018

The UT Dallas esports program continues spooling up its inaugural season with general tryouts scheduled for two varsity teams.

Two teams will be selected for both of the games comprising the 2018-19 season: “League of Legends” and “Overwatch.” Ten “League of Legends” positions and 12 “Overwatch” positions need to be filled.

Esports head coach Greg Adler outlined the qualifying requirements for tryouts:

• “League of Legends” players must currently be ranked Platinum 1 or higher in solo queue.
• “Overwatch” players must currently be ranked Diamond (3000 SR) or higher in solo queue.

Students who do not meet these requirements are encouraged to apply for a student staff position when they become available. Adler is currently looking for one coaching assistant and four analysts for each of the two games. Other positions may be available in the future as needs arise.
“League of Legends” Team tryouts:

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28
• 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29
• 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30

“Overwatch” Team tryouts:

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4
• 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5
• 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6

Students wishing to try out will need to join the UTD esports discord server in order to qualify, as well as complete this form.

After signing up, someone will reach out for verification and more information prior to tryout dates.

Adler said students should expect tryouts to take roughly two hours. Only one game is required to qualify for consideration, but he said more could increase your chances.

After a sneak peek of the program during Weeks of Welcome, Adler invited students to visit the newly renovated esports competition room located in the former Gemini and Phoenix conference rooms in the Student Union.

The room boasts 25 high-end PCs built for professional gaming, along with three 80-inch televisions that will allow students to spectate the action through viewing windows running the length of the room.

The Comet esports teams will practice and compete online in the room. Students are always welcome to watch.

–Chase Carter