Why Students Are Being Paid £2,000 to Play Computer Games
BBC News
As parents prepare to send their children off to university, financial concerns are on many minds. However, a growing trend of esports scholarships is offering students financial support and the chance to excel in both academics and competitive gaming.
The Concept of Esports Scholarships
Esports, or electronic sports, involves competitive video gaming with spectators, similar to traditional sports. Gamers compete in tournaments for cash prizes and trophies.
Roehampton University's Esports Scholarship
The University of Roehampton offers esports scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate a balance between academic progress and gaming excellence. Scholars participate in weekly university tournaments and represent the university at in-person events.
Eligibility and Benefits
Roehampton requires minimum rankings in major games, considering applications from those close to the threshold who meet other criteria, such as having a significant following on streaming platforms.
Former esports scholar Cameron Dray discovered Roehampton's scholarship through its initiatives, inspired by similar programs in the United States. The scholarship initially offered £1,500, but due to the team's success, it was increased to £2,000.
"This money was crucial to me as it gave me the opportunity to study in a very expensive city without the need for part-time work," Dray shared.
Student Finance and Debt Relief
With the average graduate in England leaving with over £47,500 in debt, scholarships like Roehampton's can significantly reduce student debt and provide additional financial support.
Thomas Cole, an esports player known as Pac, agrees that unique scholarships, including those for esports, can encourage students academically by easing financial stress.
"Uni students being paid to play a game alongside doing their studies, it's definitely cracking. If it doesn't let the academic side suffer, then I think being offered something like that really spurs on people to be better," Cole noted.