What was once seen as a major distraction on college campuses is now viewed as an asset for university athletics. The rise of competitive electronic gaming has sparked the creation of popular club teams, a few varsity programs and an increasing offering of college scholarship money.

“eSports is quickly on its way to becoming a permanent part of the world’s athletic culture,” said eSports Observer’s Kalie Moore in a Philly.com report by Frank Fitzpatrick.

Villanova, Penn and Temple universities are among the 750 campuses with active clubs, and 25 colleges have turned eSports into a varsity sport.

“We operate our eSports the same way we operate baseball,” said Chicago-based Robert Morris University Associate Athletic Director Kurt Melcher. “… It’s an easy add for any kind of university.”

Earlier this year, Villanova even traveled to Los Angeles to compete in the 2017 League of Legends College Championship.

“It’s certainly gaining ground,” said Villanova eSports club member Joe Colson. “In countries like China and Korea, it’s huge and competing with major sports. I wouldn’t expect it to reach that point here, but I do think it will continue to grow.”

Read more about the rise of college scholarships for eSports on Philly.com here.

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