Double Trouble: Two UHD eSports Teams Make It To The Playoffs
By Marie Jacinto
UHD is home to the city’s first college eSports Center, and this summer, two UHD esports teams made it to the playoffs in their respective summer competitions. Both teams, Overwatch and Rocket League, competed through GGLeagues (for recreational esports) against other colleges and universities.
Many eSports insiders consider UHD esports to be the premier collegiate esports team in Houston.
The Overwatch Team was established during the 2021 Fall semester by Gator student Sibel Deniz Emekli, who also serves as team captain.
“The Overwatch team is very proud of the work we have accomplished,” says Emekli. “We’ve created a great environment and rewarding experiences in bringing students together who love playing video games. We’re excited to expand our community by introducing new players to our team. As one of the most killer teams in the Houston area, our team is ready take it to the next level for the upcoming Fall semester. Go UHD Gators!”
Formed during the 2022 Spring semester by Gator student Joao Romero, UHD eSports’ Rocket League team participated in its first competition via GGLeagues and qualified for the playoffs as the top team. Only a total of six teams made it to the playoffs.
- UHD eSports focuses on promoting friendship, developing character, and competing at the highest level. Interested in joining?
- Students are invited to an informational session during the first week of classes—see the Week of Welcome Fall 2022 calendar for information—or stop by the UHD eSports Center in One Main Building, Room N272, during the semester to sign up for a team as roster space allows.
- UHD eSports competes at different levels, depending on the video game, and all skill levels are welcomed.
Students may start their own teams or challenge their way onto a current team after speaking with the team captain. For teams with player openings, the team captain will assess a potential new player’s skill set for an “alternate” spot on an existing team.
Get more information by joining the online UHD esports Discord Server.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
