Binghamton University students win big in SUNY esports competition
University is the only SUNY school with two winning teams
During the inaugural season of the SUNY Esports League, two Binghamton University teams were champions of their categories, taking home wins for playing the video games Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Valorant.
The achievement highlights an increasing student interest in esports competition.
“I congratulate our players and all those SUNY-wide who participated in the esports competition this fall,” said University President Harvey Stenger. “So many of our students enjoy video games as fans and/or players, and we’re excited to be part of an initiative that provides a safe outlet for competition and stress relief, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Recognizing the need for socially distanced competition, SUNY partnered with networking provider Extreme Networks and tournament platform LeagueSpot to create an esports league.
About 1,000 students from 45 SUNY schools formed teams — 342 in all — that competed over an eight-week season in multiple video games. Binghamton had teams for games beyond the Call of Duty and Valorant winning teams.
Justin Magalona, a junior on the Binghamton Gunfight Team 1 for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, saw the leagues as an opportunity to reconnect with friends and de-stress during the semester. The online platform provides a safe way for a large group of players to interact and compete.
“I learned about the league from one of my friends who goes to SUNY New Paltz,” Magalona said. “I told my roommate from the previous semester and we signed up immediately. We knew the league would be a fun escape from the stress of school and the pandemic.”
In a time of increasing social isolation, Magalona said the leagues were also helpful in creating a supportive gaming community among the SUNY schools.
“In the quick interactions I had before and between matches, friendliness and kindness were always apparent,” he said. “Although we were competing against each other, opponents would always wish us luck and give compliments for well-deserved victories.”
SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras emphasized the importance of social interaction in the esports realm and its increasing popularity.
“Esports continue to connect SUNY students at a pivotal time when many feel physically isolated from their friends and classmates,” Malatras said. “As important, esports has broken down barriers and connected students with different backgrounds together. With more than 1,000 participants from 45 colleges and countless others watching and cheering on their schools throughout our inaugural season, the widespread interest and growth potential for esports is clear.”
Binghamton sophomore Jovin Huang, team manager for the Valorant Team 1, believes that dedication brought the team together and made all the difference in their performance.
“The players on my team put a lot of work into improving their skills since the beginning of the semester and it can be seen in their gameplay,” Huang said. “In the Collegiate Star League tournament that is currently ongoing, they are undefeated in their conference, so this SUNY tournament win definitely boosted their morale even more.”
Huang also thinks that the esports industry will continue to grow in popularity. He even sees the Binghamton teams expanding in the future.
“Currently, with many people staying inside because of the pandemic, more and more people are being exposed to video games as a pastime or hobby,” Huang said. “As a result, more people are being exposed to their respective video games’ competitive scene. With more exposure, these competitive teams are being sponsored and picked up by huge organizations leading to overall growth in esports. At Binghamton, as long as there is a solid fanbase and people who enjoy playing video games competitively, the esports leagues will grow.”