UA Little Rock Esports Continues to Grow with Regional and National Success
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s esports club is experiencing rapid growth, recently reaching a significant milestone of 261 members. As the community of gamers expands, the club is strengthening its presence in the collegiate esports scene.
Nathan Griffin, the dedicated coach of the esports program, is focused on expanding the team’s influence within the collegiate gaming landscape.
“Our goal is to continue to grow,” Griffin said. “We want to be able to facilitate more teams in other popular games like Valorant, R6S, Overwatch, and others.”
In Super Smash Bros., a competitive fighting game where players control iconic characters, UA Little Rock esports team member Benjamin Weisenfelder participated in the Rewired Fest tournament, placing 17th out of 160 entrants. His performance showcases his skills and highlights the university’s growing presence in collegiate esports.
The program currently hosts weekly Super Smash Bros tournaments on Friday nights in its dedicated space at ETAS 101. Plans are underway to open the club’s space more frequently throughout the week, offering additional opportunities for students to engage with esports. The team’s Rocket League matches will also be live-streamed, allowing the broader community to follow their progress.
In Rocket League, a fast-paced game where players use rocket-powered cars to play soccer, the team once again qualified for the Southern Esports League (SEL) conference, further establishing itself as a formidable competitor in collegiate esports.
Griffin remains optimistic about the future of the program, hoping to acquire more gaming equipment as esports continues to grow.
“We’re always working to acquire more equipment, and as we grow, that need will increase,” he noted. “We’ve made significant strides thanks to our recent purchases and ongoing support.”
Looking ahead, Griffin envisions the esports program becoming a cornerstone of UA Little Rock, with multiple teams across various games competing at a high level.
“If we continue on this path, I see major investment from the university and a greater level of commitment to supporting our players,” he said.
Reflecting on memorable moments in the program, Griffin recalled their first major Super Smash Bros event and the Rocket League team’s win against Michigan State in the playoffs. These experiences have underscored the potential of the program, not just in terms of competition but in building a strong community for students.
Those interested in following the team’s journey or participating can find more information through the club’s Discord channel and on the TrojanEngage campus community platform.
