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<p>Online and in stadiums around the world, esports is getting bigger and bigger. Many who once saw it as an unusual sub-genre of sports now realize its true scale; as an industry it’s on course to exceed <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/esports-ecosystem-market-report?r=US&IR=T">$1.5 billion in value by 2023</a>. Universities serve as a hotbed of talent as the sector expands, with more teams being set up and gamers going pro. Esports is now so big that on college and university campuses across the UK there are more esports matches taking place than soccer matches. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.nse.gg/">National Student Esports (NSE)</a>, a grassroots gaming community formed in 2017, has the numbers to prove it. Alex Coulson, Managing Director of NSE, says last year there were 25,000 esports matches played across 10 different game titles by a community of more than 20,000 verified students. These matches take place as part of the British University Esports Championship (BUEC). This inter-university league saw the number of teams competing increase from 600 to 1,700 between the 19/20 season to the 20/21 season. Intel’s relationship with BUEC runs deep and two years ago first partnered with NSE to create the <a href="https://www.nse.gg/intel-futuregen-2021/">Intel® FutureGen program</a>.</p>
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<h3 id="developingmorethansuperstars">Developing more than superstars</h3>
<p>The program isn’t just about finding the next <em>League of Legends</em>* leader or <em>Smash Bros</em>.* superstar, it’s about helping students find their way in the blossoming esports industry. Coulson explains: “It’s all about supporting the students in our community who have a really strong interest in a potential career within the esports sector or the surrounding ecosystem. It’s a personal/professional development opportunity for them, whereby we select a cohort each year who receive access, insight and top-tier tips from senior professionals in their field.”</p>
<p>The range of jobs and careers within the wider esports ecosystem is broader than many would think, covering roles like journalism, publishing, broadcasting, events management and law. That’s not to mention the myriad of technical jobs in need of sharp graduate talent.</p>
<p>Intel FutureGen helps open a window into this ecosystem, broadcasting a series of online talks and presentations with industry figures. Last year’s speakers included James Dean, CEO      of ESL UK, Frankie Ward, esports host, presenter and streamer, and Grant Rousseau, Head of Operations at Excel Esports. The first FutureGen session of 2021 was given by Malph Minns, Founder and MD of Strive Sponsorship who talked about the esports landscape and gave tips on breaking into the industry.</p>
<p>The 10 students selected for the Intel FutureGen cohort receive additional private online sessions with industry leaders. They also gain access to industry events like the Esports Insider (ESI) conference, as well as other opportunities. </p>
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<h3 id="openingtheindustrytoall">Opening the industry to all</h3>
<p>Even though men make up the majority of esports players, Coulson highlights the community’s welcoming and supportive culture when it comes to shifting demographics. Recently NSE worked with Nintendo to run a community activity based around Animal Crossing*, which Coulson says: “Helps with access and grows the community, bringing a different type of player and addressing the gender balance as well.” As well as taking part in tournaments, women often hold high-ranking roles within their esports and gaming societies, with many serving as presidents and vice presidents – often more so than in other sporting fields.      </p>
<p>With the esports industry being so new, it can be hard to explain to friends and family that it constitutes a viable career choice. Intel’s backing is helping establish it as more than a pastime but a serious industry for all kinds of talents. </p>
<p>Intel’s involvement with NSE also has a philanthropic element, subsidizing the costs of jerseys for university gaming societies. Those shirts carry the name of NSE’s charity partner, SpecialEffect*, an organization that makes gaming more accessible by providing disabled gamers with adapted controllers. </p>
<p>Looking forward, Intel and NSE want to increase the size of the Intel FutureGen cohort, potentially doubling it. Coulson says NSE will also bring in a buddy system where members of the cohort will be matched with an industry figure who can help them navigate and advance their esports career. </p>
<p>With esports moving into the mainstream of popular culture and the revenue and prestige that follows, it’s essential that it stays connected with its grassroots communities. By supporting the university societies, teams and individuals, and connecting this community with the industry itself, esports players and fans will keep filling those stadiums for years to come.</p>

Online and in stadiums around the world, esports is getting bigger and bigger. Many who once saw it as an unusual sub-genre of sports now realize its true scale; as an industry it’s on course to exceed $1.5 billion in value by 2023.

Want to work in esports? Intel and NSE are helping students get a foot in the door