The number-cruncher behind the ‘Bama of college e-sports

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By Yifan Wu In a season-opener against an unranked and little-known opponent, a college powerhouse fell behind by one point for less than two minutes. However, the head coach, who just came off a brief stint in the pros, buried his face in his hands and sighed in disbelief before rifling through the team analyst’s […]

Big Ten Network enriches students with launch of e-sports tournament

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By Yifan Wu The next Northwestern Wildcat starring on Big Ten Network might not be Justin Jackson or Scottie Lindsey, but someone playing “League of Legends,” the most popular computer game in the world. Big Ten Network and Riot Games, the creator and developer of “League of Legends,” announced last week that 12 of 14 […]

Bowling and ‘League of Legends’ pay high school senior’s college ticket

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By Tolly Taylor Steve Balachowski threw another strike, turned around and continued his explanation of “League of Legends.” His coach looked confused. He had never heard of it. The senior finished his description and then finished bowling a 217. “I went home and looked it up to see what it’s all about,” said Mike Paskvan, […]

Wildcat gamers ask for a little respect — and club status

By Yushun Wang Getting video games recognized as a Northwestern “club sport” might be harder than reaching the Challenger tier in League of Legends. Last week James Yoon, the president of Northwestern University’s eSports group, met with the athletics department to see about upgrading from a “registered student organization” to this next level.