Big prizes on the line at the city’s first eSports event

At a time when Twitch streamers are amassing millions of views and competitive video game players are raking in hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes and sponsorships, esports is changing the playing field and creating new industries, even here in Cambridge. 

With prize money on the line, eSport players are set to compete in Conestoga College’s first in-person esports event next month. 

As a part of the Galt Arena Garden’s 100 anniversary, the city in collaboration with Conestoga College’s esports program will host the inaugural event on August 13.

“It’s exciting to see a trusted property put forward their initiative around esSports and what that means for local youth, families and local esport minded athletes,” said Zach Dodge, esports supervisor at Conestoga College. 

This tournament is the first of its kind in the city of Cambridge and lends a physical space for Conestoga to promote their esports program. 

The oldest continuously operating hockey arena in the world, known for helping birth some of hockey’s greatest players will see a different type of game played atop it’s legendary rink; Minecraft and Rocket League. 

Blending a traditional sporting venue in the Galt Arena Gardens with the new age athletics of esports creates a juxtaposition that sees a new take on the way we view sports.

Dodge thinks this is a great opportunity to see what it would look like for future events with the new school esports minded activities in a traditional sporting setting.

Don Crowder is the sport development coordinator with the city and notes this will be a first step in the city entering the world of esports. 

“We’re really hoping to build this as a sport in our community,” Crowder said. “We’re definitely hoping to engage more of the community and see how we can build this and help grow the sport not only for Cambridge, but for the region as well.”

The city is always looking for what the community wants in terms of sporting venues and events, and Crowder said this will be like a test pilot for future endeavours. 

Cambridge’s first esports event will comprise two different sections. The first will be a friendly competition for youth to build a hockey arena in Minecraft — things like hockey nets, rinks, players and even fan sections will be judged. 

Prizes for the creative build challenge will be given to the winners and include gift cards and other non-disclosed prizes. 

The second part of the summer showdown is a “knockout” tournament of Rocket League. Games will be on a one-on-one level with hundreds of dollars worth of prizes to win. 

To host such a large gaming event in a venue that doesn’t normally support this style of play, extensive internet capabilities are being prepared to ensure the day goes smoothly, Dodge said. 

There has been a push for more esport representation from the Region of Waterloo and has come in the form of the newly-formed esports commission. 

The city and Conestoga College are working with the region to help promote the event.

For the college, this is a way to showcase their program to the youth and members of the community. 

“Conestoga is looking to get further integrated into the space and bring that conversation to the community,” Dodge said. “We want to start attracting what could be future condors Esports athletes that are at that grade school or high school level right now.” 

Registration is currently open for all tournaments here.