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UH Maui College hosts esports tournament blending gaming, academics

The team from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, won the first annual academic esports tournament at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College in December.

Six teams from around the world competed in the tournament as gamers from Korea, United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, Germany, Austria and UH Maui College faced off on Maui from Dec. 13-18 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," UH Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana said. "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."

The esports tournament came with an academic component that made it unique.

In addition to the popular games, 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.

According to UH Maui College, it's the first time a tournament has combined esports games with academics and transferable skills to highlight the best of what esports in education can achieve globally.

College officials say esports are a common language that brings people together and can play a strong part in 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, dean of the faculty of arts, design and architecture at the University of New South Wales.

The team from Horschule Mittweida in Saxony, Germany, came in second and received the Aloha Spirit Award.