Fortnite, the popular online video game, has taken the world by storm since its release in 2017. With over 350 million registered players and a revenue of over $9 billion in 2019, it has become a cultural phenomenon. The game’s popularity has also led to the rise of professional players and competitive tournaments with huge prize pools. This has sparked the question, can you get a scholarship for playing Fortnite?
In this article, we will explore the world of Fortnite scholarships and whether it is a viable option for students looking to fund their education through their gaming skills. We will delve into the history of esports scholarships, the rise of Fortnite as an esport, and the current state of Fortnite scholarships. We will also discuss the requirements and qualifications for these scholarships and provide insights from experts in the field. So, let’s dive in and find out if you can get a scholarship for playing Fortnite.
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The History of Esports Scholarships
Esports, or electronic sports, is a form of competitive video gaming that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It involves professional players competing against each other in various video games, often in front of a live audience or through online streaming platforms. The rise of esports has led to the development of professional leagues, teams, and tournaments with huge prize pools.
Read:How to write a thank you letter for a scholarship?The concept of esports scholarships is relatively new, with the first scholarship program being introduced in 2014 by Robert Morris University in Illinois. The university offered scholarships to students who excelled in League of Legends, a popular multiplayer online battle arena game. This move was met with skepticism and criticism, with many questioning the legitimacy of video games as a sport and whether it was a viable career option.
However, as esports continued to gain mainstream recognition and popularity, more universities and colleges started offering scholarships for various video games, including League of Legends, Overwatch, and Dota 2. These scholarships were often offered through the university’s esports teams, which competed in collegiate leagues and tournaments.
The Rise of Fortnite as an Esport
Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, was released in 2017 and quickly gained a massive following. The game’s unique blend of battle royale gameplay, building mechanics, and regular updates kept players engaged and attracted new players. In 2018, Epic Games announced that they would be investing $100 million into Fortnite esports tournaments, solidifying its position as a major player in the esports industry.
Since then, Fortnite has become one of the most popular esports titles, with millions of players competing in tournaments and leagues worldwide. The game’s competitive scene is divided into two categories: solo and duo tournaments. Solo tournaments involve individual players competing against each other, while duo tournaments involve teams of two players competing together.
Read:Are scholarships paid to the student?Fortnite tournaments have also attracted high-profile sponsors, including major brands like Coca-Cola, Samsung, and Red Bull. This has led to an increase in prize pools, with the 2019 Fortnite World Cup offering a total prize pool of $30 million, making it the largest prize pool in esports history.
The Current State of Fortnite Scholarships
With the rise of Fortnite as an esport, many universities and colleges have started offering scholarships for the game. These scholarships are often offered through the university’s esports teams, which compete in collegiate leagues and tournaments. Some universities also offer scholarships specifically for Fortnite players, regardless of their involvement in the university’s esports team.
One example is Ashland University in Ohio, which offers a $4,000 scholarship for students who excel in Fortnite. The university’s esports team, the Ashland Eagles, competes in the Collegiate Starleague (CSL) and the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) leagues. The team has had success in both leagues, with their Fortnite team winning the CSL Fortnite tournament in 2019.
Another example is the University of Akron, which offers a $1,000 scholarship for students who are members of their esports team and excel in Fortnite. The university’s esports team, the Akron Zips, competes in the NACE league and has a dedicated Fortnite team that competes in various tournaments and leagues.
Read:How Do scholarships work?Aside from universities, there are also organizations and companies that offer Fortnite scholarships. One such organization is the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NAECAD), which offers a $1,000 scholarship to students who are members of their esports team and excel in Fortnite. The organization also provides resources and support for esports coaches and directors in high schools and colleges.
Requirements and Qualifications for Fortnite Scholarships
While the requirements and qualifications for Fortnite scholarships may vary depending on the university or organization offering them, there are some common criteria that most scholarships have. These include:
- Academic Performance: Most universities and organizations require students to maintain a certain GPA to be eligible for esports scholarships. This is to ensure that students are able to balance their academic and gaming commitments.
- Esports Experience: To be considered for a Fortnite scholarship, students must have a certain level of experience and skill in the game. This can be demonstrated through participation in tournaments, leagues, or online rankings.
- Teamwork and Communication Skills: As Fortnite is a team-based game, universities and organizations look for players who have good teamwork and communication skills. This is important for the success of the team in tournaments and leagues.
- Commitment and Dedication: Esports scholarships require a significant time commitment, and universities and organizations look for students who are dedicated and committed to improving their skills and competing at a high level.
It is also worth noting that most Fortnite scholarships are only available to students who are enrolled or planning to enroll in the university or organization offering the scholarship. This means that students cannot receive a scholarship solely for playing Fortnite and must also meet the academic requirements of the university or organization.
Insights from Experts
To gain a better understanding of the world of Fortnite scholarships, we reached out to experts in the field for their insights. Here’s what they had to say:
“Fortnite scholarships are a great way for students to combine their passion for gaming with their education. It provides an opportunity for students to showcase their skills and compete at a high level while also receiving financial support for their studies.” – Mark Deppe, Commissioner of the NACE
“Fortnite scholarships are a testament to the growth and legitimacy of esports as a career option. It shows that universities and organizations recognize the value and potential of esports and are willing to invest in it.” – Dr. Chris Haskell, Director of Esports at Boise State University
“Fortnite scholarships are not just about the money, but also the opportunities and experiences that come with it. Students who receive these scholarships get to compete in high-level tournaments, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable skills that can help them in their future careers.” – Dr. Joey Gawrysiak, Director of Esports at Shenandoah University
Conclusion:
So, can you get a scholarship for playing Fortnite? The answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as just being good at the game. Esports scholarships, including Fortnite scholarships, require a combination of academic performance, esports experience, teamwork and communication skills, and commitment and dedication. These scholarships also come with opportunities and experiences that can benefit students in their future careers.
As the esports industry continues to grow and gain mainstream recognition, we can expect to see more universities and organizations offering scholarships for various video games, including Fortnite. So, if you’re a student with a passion for gaming, don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams and explore the world of esports scholarships.
