QUT launches Australia-first eSports scholarship

WHO knew — all those hours playing Fortnite could be setting up your child with career options.

THINK those hours your teen spends playing Fortnite are just a waste of time?

Queensland University of Technology has launched the nation’s first university scholarship program for talented video gamers.

eSports stadiums

Fortnite fears

The university has announced will provide five new $10,000 scholarships from next year under its Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship program to exceptional eSports players.

The university will treat eSports – competitive video game playing – under its elite athlete program, so undergraduates who are dexterous with a video game console can join QUT’s eSports team which competes in international League of Legends challenges.

The eSport industry is estimated to be worth more than $1 billion globally, with high-profile gamers claiming millions in prize money.

QUT eSports co-founder Dylan Poulus in the university’s gaming arena. Picture: Adam Head

Australian eSports Association president Darren Kwan said it was “incredible” QUT had become the first university to offer gamers scholarships.

“This is something that further demonstrates the growth of eSports as a popular activity, but also its legitimacy as a profession,” Mr Kwan said.

“eSports will be one of Australia’s next big sports; there are estimated to be over 1.5 million fans of eSports in Australia.”

QUT Sport’s Elite Athletes Program co-ordinator Emily Rosemond said the university had been looking at ways to extend to gamers the same support given to high-performing athletes in fields such as swimming, athletics and football.

“‘We’ve developed a new sports strategy in recent months which hinges on a high performance approach to sport and this extends to eSports,” she said.

QUT eSports co-founder Dylan Poulus said the scholarships would help develop competitive gaming in Australia at the grassroots level.