MUNCIE, Ind.— Since the creation of the Ball State Esports program in 2020, the Cardinals have had some successful moments, such as an Overwatch 1st Place in the Esports Collegiate Conference in 2023 and a Rocket League 1st Place in the Collegiate Esports Commissioner's Cup National Championship in 2024.
One of the reasons for this undeniable success is the increase in the number of International players on the different teams.
“It has become a lot more popular. We have seven international students and sometimes other schools have full international teams.” Esports Assistant Director, Brandon Kepner said.
This strategy is profitable for schools, as shown by the numerous trophies won by this team, but it is also a really great opportunity for the foreign athletes, as getting recruited by Ball State is a huge step up for most of them.
Often, they are scouted during local tournaments and get contacted to come play for the college where they can study and take advantage of the brand-new facilities.
“The resources are way better here in the US,” Spanish freshman and Valorant player Manuel Fons Rodriguez said. “At this level, we wouldn’t have anything similar in Europe.”
The facilities and the chance to study in the United States are the main reasons why the players decide to commit to an American school, but they are not the only ones, as international coaches started to join the program.
"Professional European players are more dedicated, they practice all day, whereas here I have to manage players with academic duties,” Seno De Saint Mars, a French League of Legend coach and former Vitality member said.
See everything you need to know about the Ball State Esports team on their website.
Contact Max Huillet with comments at max.huillet@bsu.edu
