JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – E-Sports has become a worldwide phenomenon.

But did you know one of the nations best e-sports teams, was right here at Arkansas State?

These aren’t your average gamers.

“I think this week alone, I’ll shoutout Evo, he probably has 50 plus hours of recruiting, scouting and planning for this match,” says Esports director Fielding Belk.

I know what you are thinking, 50 plus hours playing video games? but for the Arkansas State E-Sports team it’s just another day in the office.

These Red Wolves first started their gaming journey back in 2019 and now the club team is on the verge of winning it’s first national championship.

“I mean setting the stepping stone for other teams to eventually get to that point, especially winning it for TJ, he’s been doing this for a long time,” says Geoffrey Schaefer.

After talking with these guys, you can tell that this is deeper than just video games.

“I think video games looks like changed the entire globe. I think it’s one of the biggest communities out there,” says freshman Tra Guthrie.

“Meeting all these people and connecting with them is building my connections and having friends you can talk to on and off campus, and keeping those connections,” said Jackson Facello.

The Red Wolves would go on to beat Wright State in a thrilling 3-1 match in Rainbow 6 Siege, bringing a National Championship home to Jonesboro.

Fielding Belk talked about the impact of gaming. “A lot of times when parents see video games, they think it’s a waste of time. In the collegiate competitive realm, there are more opportunities to improve, not only yourself, but the people around you. You come in every day and your work, you’re here to work. You put the work in you go to practice you do video review you communicate with your teammates, and it makes you a better person at the end of the day.

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