Excitement filled New Mexico State University’s esports lounge from March 29-30, 2025, as 32 schools competed in the 2025 NMSU Esports Invitational. Participants battled it out in popular games like Valorant, League of Legends, NBA 2K, and Super Smash Brothers. The event attracted students from across the state, including high school and middle school teams. The invitational has grown significantly, with over 1,000 attendees compared to 200 in its early days.
One of the driving factors behind the popularity of esports is its accessibility. Thomas Mariscal, captain of Eastern New Mexico University’s gaming teams, highlighted how anyone can find a place in esports regardless of their background. Participants like Gabriel Jimenez and Jakob Quezada shared their personal stories of how gaming became a passion and led them to competitive esports.
Esports not only provide opportunities for gamers to pursue their passion but also offer scholarships and personal growth within organized teams. Quezada mentioned the importance of creating opportunities for those who may not excel in traditional sports. The NMSU esports program continues to grow, hoping for an even larger turnout at future events.
Overall, the success of the NMSU Esports Invitational reflects the surging popularity of gaming and esports as a legitimate career path. As long as there are people who love video games, the esports industry will continue to thrive and expand.
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