Esports Popularizes in STL
Media by Shyam Punnachalil
Aaron Mathys, senior, competes at the St. Louis Science Center during a Super Smash Bros. tournament on Nov. 5. Mathys attends tournaments like these because he enjoys playing the game competitively. “Tournaments are a way to show off my skills, review gameplay, and build a community,” Mathys said.
Controller in hand, his favorite character Young Link selected, eyes locked, and ready to game on. This is senior Aaron Mathys’s typical routine while playing in competitive Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournaments.
Whenever he has the time, Mathys travels to downtown St. Louis to play in Super Smash Bros. tournaments in areas such as Saint Louis University (SLU), Washington University, and the St. Louis Science Center.
His interest in this competitive play started during COVID when his other activities were canceled. Esports, or competitive video gaming, allowed Mathys to compete with others without leaving his home. He also joined Marquette’s esports club to further his competitive drive.
“Being around those who enjoy playing the same game at a higher level really improved my motivation to get better,” Mathys said. “At that point, I started to actually learn the game and become a competitive player.”
After hearing about how the St. Louis Super Smash Bros. community offers tournaments every week, Mathys decided to take the step forward to compete.
“I personally like competing because it allows me to take my skills in a hobby and transform it into something that can actually earn rewards and recognition,” Mathys said.
Nicholas Chiu, Saint Louis University Director of Esports and tournament organizer, said esports is a great community for students.
“Having set schedules, practices, and eligibility requirements makes esports a way more controlled activity than casual gaming,” Chiu said.
Along with directing SLU’s teams, Chiu supervises a wave of Smash tournaments in the St. Louis area such as the ones Mathys attends.
“I like running tournaments because it’s the most intimate way of establishing a community. Creating events and tournaments, especially in-person ones, allows for a mix of people to meet new people and develop friendships,” Chiu said.
As a new competitor in Super Smash Bros. esports, Luke Dahlgren, sophomore, said the outgoing community St. Louis has for the game allows him to improve and learn more.
“It’s a new experience to walk out of your house and attend a competitive tournament, but it’s fun knowing you have supportive people at these tournaments and in this community to help you grow as a player,” Dahlgren said.
Dahlgren’s end goal is to eventually be an internationally ranked Super Smash Bros. Ultimate player on the Panda Global Rankings Ultimate.
Chiu said the accessibility for players like Dahlgren adds to the popularity esports has in the area.
“You don’t even need to own the game itself to be able to participate in events,” Chiu said. “Accessibility is something that Super Smash Bros. does very well and it makes our retention at events stay at high levels. People can improve as a result.”
Chiu said esports will be a great investment for schools and programs in the future.
“Esports resonates very well with the younger generation. It’s constantly evolving and this makes it imperative for colleges and businesses to innovate with the younger demographic,” Chiu said. “I think it is and will continue to be a popular medium for people to indulge in.”
Your donation will support the student journalists of Marquette High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs. You may become a PATRON by making a donation at one of these levels: White/$30, Green/$50, Blue/$100. Patron names will be published in the print newsmagazine, on the website and once per quarter on our social media accounts.
Shyam Punnachalil, senior, is an Associate Producer for MHSNews and a Sports Editor The Marquette Messenger. This is Shyam's third year in MHSNews, and...