Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is set to host the EMU Esports Scholastic Invitational Finals, welcoming high school and community college esports teams from the region. The event will take place on Saturday, November 9, at 10 a.m. in the EMU Student Center ballroom.

The competition will feature top players battling for prizes such as gaming headsets, a trophy, and exclusive EMU Esports gear. Zach Lewis, Esports coordinator at EMU, stated, “Eastern Esports have the resources and knowledge to support the scholastic gaming scene outside of just universities, and we're excited to bring something new to the table for high school and community college students alike."

Participants will compete exclusively in Valorant, a team-based strategy game by Riot Games. Following initial matches, attendees can join a seminar titled "Gaming in College" at 6 p.m., hosted by Lewis. The seminar aims to explore academic and career opportunities in gaming.

Community members are invited to watch the finals after the seminar and support competing teams from schools including Taylor High School, Divine Child High School, Detroit Catholic Central High School, Ecorse High School, Saline High School, Washtenaw Community College, and Monroe Community College.

Eastern Esports supports competitive gaming through various teams including Overwatch 2, Rocket League, League of Legends, Valorant, Call of Duty, and Super Smash Bros. The event is free for all attendees.

Founded in 1849 as Michigan's second oldest public university, EMU serves nearly 13,000 students across numerous programs. The university is recognized nationally for its excellence and diversity.