In 2021, SUNY debuted its first-ever Esports Chancellor’s Challenge, and since then, esports has surged in popularity across its campuses. Now we have a vibrant esports community spanning 54 campuses, many of which compete in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), a leading college esports league. From social gaming clubs to varsity teams, SUNY is dedicated to supporting esports players of all levels and helping students develop skills, friendships, and even career pathways in the growing esports industry.
Here’s a look at what SUNY campuses have to offer for students interested in esports.
What SUNY Esports Programs Offer
SUNY’s esports programs cater to a range of interests, offering varsity, club, and intramural competition. Students interested in being recruited to play esports in college or join a club can find an esports community at SUNY’s 4-year colleges and community colleges. Across various campuses, SUNY Esports programs provide:
- Competitive Teams: Many SUNY schools, like Monroe Community College, University at Albany, and Buffalo State University, offer competitive esports teams that participate in tournaments and leagues, including the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). Students compete in popular games such as Overwatch 2, League of Legends, Valorant, and Rocket League.
- Gaming Clubs: For those who enjoy gaming in a social setting, campuses like SUNY Brockport and SUNY Oneonta have gaming clubs that hold weekly events. These clubs cater to both casual gamers and those looking to connect with fellow students with similar interests in titles like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and FIFA.
- Esports Arenas and Facilities: Schools like Farmingdale State College and Purchase College boast state-of-the-art esports arenas with high-performance PCs and gaming consoles, providing a top-tier environment for students to train and compete. Farmingdale’s arena, for example, is outfitted with 12 powerful PCs and 6 gaming consoles, while Purchase College offers 20 Alienware PCs and multiple Nintendo Switch consoles to support both competitive and casual gamers. These cutting-edge facilities offer students the chance to play popular titles like Overwatch 2, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in a professional setting, providing valuable hands-on experience in the esports world.
- Community Engagement and Social Media Presence: The SUNY esports community is active on platforms like Twitch, Instagram, and Discord. Campus teams, such as those at SUNY Potsdam and Binghamton University, regularly share updates, live streams, and game highlights, helping to foster a close-knit community within and beyond SUNY. At SUNY Potsdam, students can engage with their esports teams and clubs through social media, catching live tournament broadcasts and gameplay commentary—a great way for the community to stay connected and celebrate esports achievements together.
Campus Spotlights
Dive into a few specific SUNY campuses and what their esports programs bring to the table:
- Empire State University: The esports program at Empire State University is one of the most unique esports teams in the SUNY system. Empire State University caters to military, veteran, adult, and online students, meaning players can participate from across the U.S. Launched in 2020, the program fields teams across multiple games, competing in events like the SUNY Chancellor’s Esports Challenge.
- SUNY Canton: As the first SUNY school to offer a varsity esports team, SUNY Canton Esports has led the charge with a well-equipped esports arena, practice spaces, and even an esports residence hall. They currently compete in a wide range of games, providing a pathway for students to pursue esports both academically and competitively.
- SUNY Fredonia: Offering both competitive and casual options, SUNY Fredonia’s esports program plays Overwatch 2, Rocket League, and Valorant. Students are also encouraged to participate in club events, making the campus a welcoming spot for all types of gamers.
- SUNY Niagara County Community College: SUNY Niagara’s esports program features teams competing in a variety of popular games, including Call of Duty, Apex Legends, League of Legends, and Valorant. Led by Coach Jason Eberl, the program fosters a strong sense of community, with students actively participating in competitive and casual events throughout the semester.
- SUNY Plattsburgh: The esports program at SUNY Plattsburgh brings together gamers of all skill levels, with competitive teams and casual play opportunities. Under the direction of Melissa LaMere, students can engage in games like League of Legends, Overwatch, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros.. With teams participating in ECAC and SUNY leagues, Plattsburgh’s esports program offers a place for students to grow their skills, build friendships, and take part in competitive events.
- Stony Brook University: Stony Brook esports teams compete in high-profile games such as CS, League of Legends, and Valorant. Coach Kevin Craig and the team have established a dynamic program that attracts top talent and streams competitions on platforms like Twitch.
- SUNY Schenectady County Community College: Esports competition at SUNY Schenectady spans the entire academic year, from fall to spring. The regular season includes weekly matches against other colleges in the league, followed by playoffs to determine title champions.
Why Esports at SUNY?
SUNY esports programs are much more than just gaming teams; they’re building a community and providing degrees that can lead to career opportunities in the gaming industry. These programs offer students a structured environment to improve their skills, meet like-minded peers, and even explore professional roles in broadcasting, event management, and esports marketing.
Additionally, the sense of community fostered by these teams and clubs has led to an increased focus on student well-being and belonging. With a strong social media presence and frequent in-person events, students can build meaningful connections, whether they’re battling it out in an intense League of Legends match or enjoying a casual Mario Kart night.
Ready to Join?
Get Recruited to Play Esports at SUNY
If you’re interested in joining a SUNY esports program or just want to learn more, each campus has a designated contact who can provide details on how to get involved. From competing in tournaments to attending social gaming events, there’s a place for everyone in SUNY esports.
You can learn more about SUNY Esports on our website or reach out to a campus esports contact. And for more ways to engage, follow the action on X, Instagram, and Twitch.
