Sunday’s snowstorm disrupted two events scheduled for the Esports Arena on Monday but that didn’t stop players from coming together for a cozy afternoon of gaming.
First the 3rd Annual Esports Battle for the Belt, a varsity esports competition between Durham College (DC) and Ontario Tech, was postponed.
Then a replacement event set met the same fate, according to the Durham Lords website.
Yet, members of the esports community still showed up to play their favourite games together.
Michael Salwonchuk, a third-year Durham College Sports Management student and esports intern at the DCSA, said throughout the past year esports has “probably been the most important thing in [his] life.”
Salwonchuk is on the varsity League of Legends team and has been playing for ten years.
“I’ve gained a lot of new friends, I’ve gained a lot of experience in the game that I play,” he said.
James Lumley, a DC graduate and receptionist at the esports arena, has had a similar experience. He said esports means connection.
“I just love the space, I love the people. Everyone is very kind and welcoming,” said Lumley. “I love showing up to work every day and giving my best for the customers and my coworkers.”
Lumley played on the Durham Lords Valorant team before graduating and going on to study at Seneca College. He continues to work as a team member at the esports arena.
Many players say esports is overlooked compared to traditional sports.
“I think that they should be recognized equally,” said Mackinnon Hay, a first-year Computer Foundations student at DC.
Lumley said esports is “definitely an untapped sector that Durham College is definitely starting to tap into with this esports arena and their varsity teams.”
Salwonchuk urges sports fans to “look past what traditional media and sports would say.”
“If somebody is interested in video games, they can do it at a level that’s deeper than just casually playing,” he said.
The Durham Lords esports varsity team has more than 40 athletes playing on teams, including Rocket League, League of Legends, Valorant, Marvel Rivals and Counter-Strike 2.
Hay said esports is also good for connecting and making new friends.
“It brings each other closer,” said Hay.
The Esports Arena is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and offers recreational and competitive esports.
Salwonchuk said the Battle for the Belt competition will likely be rescheduled for mid-March.