Dynamic duo

Renowned for its academic prowess, UC Irvine also happens to be located in a city 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 rapidly growing and highly competitive realm of esports.

The campus won the League of Legends national college championship in 2018 and the Valorant national college tournament earlier this year. That's not surprising 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 further their professional ambitions while receiving a valuable education in Southern California," says Mark Deppe, director of UC Irvine Esports. The program offers scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 annually and boasts a state-of-the-art esports arena, making it an attractive option for gamers looking to balance education and competition.

Among the standout recruits this year are Lacey Dilworth and Jett Joye, both of whom have impressive backgrounds and potential to excel at UC Irvine. Dilworth, affectionately known 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 game at all," Dilworth recalls. "Valorant became my escape during online classes. It was my way to connect with people. I started with friends I knew, and as I got better, I met new people, and it was a natural progression."

Joye, also known as "Srtty," joins UC Irvine as a transfer student from St. Louis University. The Australian player has been 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," Joye says, explaining that he turned to esports after suffering rugby injuries. "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 this," 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 like Blizzard and Twitch.

"Irvine is a mecca for esports," Deppe says. "Major gaming companies continue to set up offices in Irvine. For students, this is a place where they are understood and their talent shines." The recruitment process at UC Irvine is rigorous, with tryouts held each fall to assemble a squad of about 25 players.

As the esports scene grows, UC Irvine is also taking an active role in governance and oversight, with Deppe a founding board member of Voice of Intercollegiate Esports, the industry's governing body, and Chancellor Howard Gillman as chair of the Presidents Advisory Council for the group. In July, Deppe and Gillman hosted about 100 chancellors on campus to discuss the future of collegiate esports, emphasizing the importance of structured growth.

With the academic year underway, both Dilworth and Joye are eager to make their mark on UC Irvine Esports. "I'm really excited that I get to keep pursuing what I love at a school as prestigious as UCI," Joye says. "It's a wonderful opportunity." Adds Dilworth: "Esports is like one shot to get your foot in the door. And I'm ready to take that shot."