Let’s be honest, most of us probably have no clue what the Intergalactic Spacewar! Olympics were. (And if you do, props to you!) For the rest of us, here’s the scoop: back in October 1972, a bunch of students at Stanford University competed in what’s now recognized as the first-ever video game tournament. The grand prize? A one-year subscription to Rolling Stone magazine. Yep, a prize that captured the spirit of the era.

Fast forward a few decades, things have gotten a lot more serious (and a lot cooler).

With faster internet, better games, and more organized events, the ‘90s and 2000s brought the rise of competitive gaming as we know it today. Suddenly, Esports weren’t just a niche hobby. They were legit. Pro leagues formed, tournaments blew up, and everyday gamers became stars.

People took notice. In 2019, the Iowa High School Esports Association (IHSEA) launched, giving high school students across the state a chance to compete in organized esports leagues.

That same year, NJCAA Esports (aka NJCAAE) was formed to support two-year colleges nationwide. Their mission? To create opportunities for students to compete at the collegiate level in games they already love.

In 2024, Ellsworth Community College officially joined the action. Esports is now one of our college athletic programs, and we’re just getting started.

As we enter our second season, the energy is electric. We're offering scholarships to help students with tuition, building a supportive, team-driven environment, and encouraging gamers of all skill levels to jump in. Whether you're casually climbing ranks in Rocket League or dreaming of going pro in NFL Madden, there’s a place for you here.

We’re also keeping things flexible and fun. This program is still growing, which means there’s room for your ideas. Want to try out a new title? Have suggestions for events or scrimmages? We’re listening.

“This is an exciting time for students who are passionate about gaming,” said Tanner Lascheid, Esports Coach at ECC. “We’re building more than just a team. We’re creating a community where players can grow, compete, and even earn scholarships.”

Whether you’re a casual player looking for a place to belong, or a serious competitor ready to make your mark, we invite you to join us. This is more than gaming. This is your game plan for what comes next.

Want in? Contact Coach Tanner Lascheid to learn more about tryouts, scholarships, and how to join ECC Esports. Or schedule a campus visit today at www.EllsworthCollege.com.

About Ellsworth Community College:

Ellsworth Community College, a part of the Iowa Valley Community College District, offers a range of academic and career-focused programs designed to prepare students for success in today’s competitive world. With a growing number of academic, athletic and co-curricular opportunities, ECC is committed to providing an affordable, supportive, and dynamic learning environment.

Sources:
Stanford University's first video game tournament: Smithsonian Magazine
NJCAAE overview: NJCAA Esports Official Website
IHSEA launch and expansion: Iowa High School Esports Association