Hadoukens and Hurricane Kicks: Fighting Games Take Center Stage in College Esports
The collegiate esports scene is no stranger to fighting games, but lately, they’ve been delivering a knockout punch.
From partnerships with major tournament organizers to schools signing pro players, fighting games are proving they’re more than just a side event.
CFGC and TNS: A Tag Team for the Ages
The Collegiate FGC (CFGC) is making a power move by partnering with Tampa Never Sleep (TNS), a renowned fighting game tournament organizer.
This means college players will now compete on the same stage as the pros at events like DreamHack and CEOtaku. Talk about raising the stakes!
Along with this, Fisher College signed two-time Capcom Cup champion Mena to their Street Fighter 6 roster,
while Maryville University snagged pro Super Smash Bros. player and coach ApolloKage.
These schools are not playing around; they’re building fighting game dynasties.
Riptide: Making a Splash with Crew Battles
Riptide, a major fighting game tournament, is also embracing the collegiate scene.
Their Super Smash Bros. Ultimate crew battles brought together 32 universities for an epic showdown.
This kind of exposure elevates collegiate fighting games and gives aspiring players a taste of the big leagues.
Why This Matters
This surge in fighting game popularity is a breath of fresh air for collegiate esports.
It diversifies the competitive landscape, showcasing a different kind of skill and strategy.
Fighting games emphasize individual mastery and mental fortitude, qualities that can translate to success in other areas of life.
The rise of fighting games in collegiate esports could lead to more investment, scholarships, and opportunities for aspiring players.
It could also inspire a new generation of gamers to embrace the competitive spirit and challenge themselves in a unique and exciting way.
What’s next?
With more tournaments and colleges embracing fighting games, the future looks bright for this genre.
We can expect to see more intense rivalries, rising stars, and electrifying moments.
The fighting game community is proving that they’re a force to be reckoned with in the collegiate esports arena.
