The students of Ole Miss have been blessed with one of the best campuses in the nation. With fantastic spaces for academics, social life and sports, there are a plethora of activities to be explored.
While most students are aware of the landmark buildings that have graced the university for decades, many might not know about one of the most interesting locations on campus. Tucked away in the E.F. Yerby Center on Grove Loop is the Payne Esports Facility, home to Ole Miss Esports.
Esports, which is competitive online multiplayer games, is an increasingly popular program at Ole Miss. With more than 200 members who play a variety of the major titles in gaming, this small but growing part of campus life has lots to offer anyone interested in the competitive gaming scene.
What games does the program offer? Noah Omer, known by the username Khaled, is a sophomore journalism major who acts as the head of content and public relations for Ole Miss Esports.
“Every major game (League of Legends, CSGO, Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League, COD) you can start the competitive scene in any game,” Omer said. “(We have a) great facility with good specs and access to the facility as a player and non-player, just a part of the club.”
Ole Miss Esports officially hosts 10 varsity teams for competitive play, but it supports a multitude of other small events centered around even more games. There is something for almost anyone intrigued by the program, even those who are not students at the university.
“Join the Discord even if you’re not a student. You can also participate (in some events) even if you aren’t a student.” Ian Wright, a junior who goes by the username OME Start, said.
A criminal justice major, Wright works as the president of Ole Miss Esports and manages the inner workings of the club for students.
Some teams even have places for those who do not want to play competitively. Santiago Castillas, also known as luckbasedluke, finds his place in the Ole Miss Esports community as an honorary member and mascot for the Overwatch team. During his time in the program, he has made friends with nearly the entire varsity squad and enjoys playing with them in unofficial matches.
While it is obvious that all are welcome, many members of this community are eager for more people to reach out. Luke Dunavant, the main in-house caster for games at the Payne Esports Facility, encouraged those interested to look for flyers for more information and to feel free to contact any of the executive members of Ole Miss Esports for assistance.
While it may not be the flashiest or most well-known part of student life, Ole Miss Esports has a deep and genuine community ready to welcome all who arrive.
