By james art Known for its academic prowess, the University of California, Irvine is also located in a city that is home to some of the most prominent computer gaming corporations in the world. So it’s really no surprise that the university has quickly made a name for itself in the fast-growing and highly competitive field of eSports.
The campus won the League of Legends National College Championship in 2018 and the Valorant National College Tournament earlier this year. It’s no surprise, either: With an eSports program established in 2016 providing scholarships for popular titles like League of Legends, Overwatch 2, and Valorant, UC Irvine attracts elite gaming talent.
“We graduate 94 percent of our students, and our athletes see this as the best way to pursue their professional ambitions while receiving a valuable education in Southern California,” said Mark Deppe, Director of UC Irvine Esports. The program offers scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 per year and features a state-of-the-art eSports arena, making it an attractive option for gamers looking to balance education and competition.
This year’s standout recruits include Lacey Dilworth and Jett Joy, both of whom have impressive backgrounds and the potential to excel at UC Irvine. Dilworth, affectionately referred to as “L4CE,” is the university’s first actively recruited female player. A 19-year-old Valorant athlete from San Francisco, she credits the pandemic for her deep dive into gaming.
“Before COVID, I didn’t play at all,” Dilworth recalled. “Valorant has become my escape during online classes. It was my way of connecting with people. I started with friends I knew and as I got better I met new people and it was a natural progression.”
Joy, also known as “Srtty,” joined UC Irvine as a transfer student from the University of St. Louis. The Australian player is a force in the League of Legends scene, achieving a historic rank as the highest rated player in North America.
“UCI is the best degree I can get for a career in video games,” says Joy, explaining that he turned to esports after sustaining injuries in rugby. “I always knew I was good, but it wasn’t until I got the opportunity to play with a professional organization that I realized I could make a career out of it,” he adds.
The competitive landscape of collegiate eSports is rapidly evolving, with over 500 schools now boasting similar programs. UC Irvine stands out not only for its impressive facilities and coaching staff, but also for its strategic location in Southern California, a hub for eSports industry leaders such as Blizzard and Twitch.
“Irvine is the Mecca of eSports,” says Deppe. “Major gaming companies continue to set up offices in Irvine. For students, it’s a place where they’re understood and their talent shines.” UC Irvine’s recruiting process is rigorous, with tryouts held each fall to assemble a team of about 25 players.
As the esports scene grows, UC Irvine is also taking an active role in governance and oversight, with Deppe serving on the board of the Voice of Intercollegiate Esports, the industry’s governing body, and Chancellor Howard Gilman chairing the Presidents’ Advisory Council for the group. . In July, Deppe and Gilman hosted about 100 chancellors on campus to discuss the future of college eSports, emphasizing the importance of structured growth.
As the academic year approaches, both Dilworth and Joye are eager to make their mark at UC Irvine Esports. “I’m really excited to be able to continue to pursue what I love at such a prestigious school like UCI,” Joy says. “It’s a wonderful opportunity.” Dilworth adds, “eSports is like a shot in the door. And I’m ready to make that shot.”