This past March, Visit York County, Carowinds and Winthrop teamed up for Rock the Winds, which Rey called “the first of its kind as a major esports tournament held at an amusement park.” Hundreds of players across the region signed up to compete in either Super Smash Bros. Ulti- mate or Rivals of Aether, with a $10,000 prize on the line.


Interested in Playing for Winthrop? Winthrop’s esports team will expand to include JV and club divisions. Available teams and roles include League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch, video editing, casting, stream production and more. Financial aid assistance is also available.


“Other schools simply do not have what we will have,” he said, adding that the 6,500-square-foot space will be a “game changer.” “This distinctive space is in a walkable, multi-faceted district of Rock Hill that is contributing to a modern economy and reinventing the original heart of Rock Hill.”


“Like bringing your Bentley into the garage.”


That’s how Esports Coach Josh Sides described the university’s three esports teams – Valorant, League of Legends and Super Smash Bros. – moving their practice space to the Lowenstein Building in downtown Rock Hill.


The move was announced at an April 28 press conference by Sides, President Edward Serna, Athletics Director Chuck Rey and Board Chair Glenn McCall.


Recognizing its tremendous growth, Winthrop’s esports program will begin leasing space in the Lowenstein Building, located in University Center in the Knowledge Park corridor, this summer. Sides pointed to the expansion of University Cen-


Other schools simply do not have what we will have. - President Edward Serna


16


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ter, the Thread and other up-and-coming projects in downtown Rock Hill as one of many things students can look forward to.


“Now Winthrop is going to be a key gemstone in that location as well,” he said. “We’re moving into a space where we’ll have more room to host community events, bring in local high schools and recreation leagues, and more. It’s a real statement of intent and lends a lot of legitimacy to what we’re doing here.”


New Space a Game Changer Serna noted how Winthrop’s program has soared and become a national contender in the esports field – but the move to Lowenstein will set it apart even further.


The Lowenstein space will contain five varsity team game room spaces, a large open game room with seating for 56, a conference/team meeting room and four offices.


“Having a new space gives life to us again, espe- cially with it being open to everyone,” said Gabriel Powell, a junior political science major from Que- bec. “You’ll have that school spirit where people at Winthrop who don’t even know about us will now be watching us play.”


Setting the Program Apart Winthrop’s esports team, which was established in 2019, has made waves in the industry's 13-year existence with two national titles, one regional title and multiple tournament appearances.


Last fall, the esports team joined with Winthrop’s Competitive Gaming Club to host Rock the Hill, a regional esports gaming event at the Winthrop Coliseum with competitions in Guilty Gear Strive, Rivals of Aether, DNF Fuel and Super Smash Bros. At the time, it was recognized as the largest Super Smash Bros. event in state history.


WINTHROP ESPORTS ACCOLADES


• 2023 Inaugural Big South Esports Champions


• 2021 Rocket League Champions, Collegiate Esports National Championship


• 2021 League of Legends College Championship


17 Visit www.winthrop.edu/esports.


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