The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College will host the world’s first international academic esports tournament December 13–18. Players from Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, Germany, Austria, UH Maui College and Maui High School will blend gaming with academics and compete in popular games such as Valorant, League of Legends and Rocket League.
The public is invited to watch the action live at UH Maui College’s Pilina Building Student Lounge or online via Twitch and YouTube. For details, visit world.academic sports.net.
“I’m thrilled that gamers from around the world will be joining us to compete. I’m eager to meet new faces, to share the beauty of Hawaiʻi and the opportunities that are available here at UH Maui College,” said UH Maui College student Malia Mancianti.
Pioneering format
The tournament goes far beyond gaming. It pioneers a unique academic format, challenging students in three key areas: programming and problem-solving, business innovation, and global debate on gaming culture and sustainability.
“UH Maui College has always included international educational components in our students’ experiences. That is part of what makes hosting this event so significant for us,” said Chancellor Lui Hokoana, who was one of the tournament organizers. “It’s also noteworthy that the international student players will be fully immersed in Hawaiian culture during their stay, experiencing traditional practices, learning about Maui’s rich heritage, and engaging in cultural exchange activities with the local community. While staying on campus, they’ll share their own diverse cultural perspectives, creating a unique blend of global gaming culture with Hawaiian traditions.”
Participating Universities:
- Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, Germany
- MCI, The Entrepreneurial School, Austria
- Staffordshire University, UK
- University of Agder, Norway
- University of New South Wales, Australia
- Yonsei University, South Korea
- UH Maui College and Maui High School, USA
Co-organizer Rune Andersen, head of academic esports at the University of Agder, Norway, said, “This tournament breaks new ground in how we think about esports in education.”
