A team from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (USNW) was the inaugural winner of the first annual academic esports tournament held in December at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. A team from Horschule Mittweida in Saxony, Germany, came in second and received the Aloha Spirit Award.
A total of six teams from around the world competed. Gamers from Korea, United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, Germany, Austria and UH Maui College’s own esports team faced off in popular games such as Valorant, League of Legends and Rocket League.
“We were honored to host the first international esports tournament of its kind here on Maui,” said UH Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana. “And we were very happy to host all the teams who came from around the world and we congratulate all of them on their fine play. We look forward to welcoming them all back again.”
- Related UH News story: Groundbreaking international esports tournament at UH Maui College, December 10, 2024
UHMC tournament adds academic twist
The academic approach made the tournament unique. Students had to excel in three academic challenges: a programming and problem-solving competition that tests technical skills; a business innovation challenge that develops entrepreneurial thinking; and an academic debate forum addressing global gaming culture and sustainability.
It’s the first time that a tournament has combined esports games with academics and transferable skills to highlight the best of what esports in education can achieve globally. Esports are a common language that brings people together and has a strong part to play in both education and recreation.
“UNSW is wholeheartedly thankful to UH Maui College for the warm welcome and generous hospitality at the first Academic Esports World Tournament,” said Claire Annesley, USNW dean of the faculty of arts, design and architecture.
