eSports Tourney a ‘Smash’ Hit
By Mike Emery
In a short time, UHD’s eSports Lounge has proven to be a popular site for student engagement and is attracting attention from gaming communities locally and across the nation. Last week, the Lounge hosted its first major tournament with 64 student competitors and more than 250 spectators.
“Super Smash Brothers” was the game of the day, and buzz extended beyond campus. The top three finishers included Diego Sandoval (1st place), Anthony Vazquez (2nd place) and Juan Gonzalez (3rd place). Each winner received UHD Bookstore gift cards.
According to Tremaine Kwasikpui, director of Student Activities, the tournament was streamed online and garnered 1,400 views from users on platforms, such as Twitch, Esports Arena and Discord. Gaming enthusiasts from around the world (Brazil, Mexico, Italy, South Korea, Canada, Norway and Switzerland) tuned in to the tournament.
“This was the first event of its kind at UHD,” Kwasikpui said. “The crowd participation was amazing. We're so excited for the support of the University’s administration and the engagement of our students.”
UHD’s eSports Lounge officially opened on Nov. 20, 2018. The Lounge was coordinated through the support and efforts of UHD President, Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz, Student Activities, Student Affairs, Information Technology and the Administration & Finance.
The next UHD eSports is a tournament scheduled for 1 p.m., March 22.
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.
