Andrew Rossini during esports tournament Andrew Rossini
Over the last few years we have seen a global rise in the world of esports. From full ride scholarships to world cups, what was once a distant dream has now become a multi-billion dollar reality for gamers across the globe.
Although competitive gaming started around the 1970’s it took a big leap in the early 2010’s as arenas were starting to sell out and media companies began broadcasting their events worldwide.
In 2025 the esports industry saw an increase in viewership, revenue and even mainstream media attention the biggest reason for that was because of the inaugural Esports World Cup which hosted the best of the best at the biggest stage in Saudi Arabia with a prize pool of $70 million.
The main reason why we have seen a significant rise in esports is because of the accessibility to watch and play these games. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube have opened the door for not only broadcasting these events but also allowing players to be discovered through these platforms.
Esports at SXU
Due to its recent success even schools have implemented esports into their extracurriculars including our very own Saint Xavier University. SXU implemented their own esports team in 2022 and has continued to grow ever since.
Their current roster stands at 40 members expanding over 6 different video games like Overwatch, Super Smash Bros., and League of Legends being their most popular.
“I’ve been a massive esports fan since I discovered the scene in 2017 and to see it grow to the heights it’s grown has been super exciting, with events now even combining games like the EWC. I think there’s even more room to grow and possibly become as mainstream as any major sport.” says SXU esports member Andrew Rossini when asked about his reaction to the recent growth of esports.
On where esports is today where students are getting scholarships:
“In all honesty, younger people have always been the ones holding up the esports scene. Most professionals in games are closer to 20 than to 30 so it doesn’t shock me that much that it’s become as massive as it has in schools and is starting to be integrated as an athletic program like it has here.”
On if esports can become a possible long-term career:
“Lots of pros have been scouted by being on their high school teams or college teams. In Valorant, there was even a university team that nearly qualified to tier 1 play this past week. If players are willing to dedicate themselves as much as any other athlete it can absolutely become a career path. With competitions being online and most communication being online as well, it makes connections easier than ever to find and scouting as easy as joining a voice call.”
On his idea of the perception of esports among the general public:
“In its infancy, esports was seen as some sweaty losers putting too much time into something that was seen as not contributing anything to society. Nowadays, videogames are much more mainstream and accessible to anyone with an internet connection, which has inspired more and more young people to pursue being the best of the best just like any other sport. I grew up in a house where playing games was encouraged over watching TV because my parents were lucky enough to grow up with them, and when they heard I wanted to pursue this in college, they fully supported me as if I was planning to play any other sport. I hope that in the future, all parents will be just as supportive so we can see the scene grow even larger down the line.”
All in all, esports has seen a massive change in the last couple of years with more and more big companies investing more money each year and this will not be the last time we talk about it growing as the industry continues to grow each year.