By Walt Hill
STARKVILLE, Miss. (Take 30 News)---For some video games are just a hobby, for others it's a way of life, and possibly a pay check! Esports is a growing phenomenon around the world, and Mississippi and Mississippi State University are paying attention. The University and the Esports club are working together to get a team assembled. Once assembled, some gamers say they will be treated like athletes with benefits. Something like this won't happen overnight, but with the support of the University and President Mark Keenum, gamers are confident success is in the near future.
An arena typically filled with basketball looked very different this weekend.
Last year's Egg Bowl was at Ole Miss. Before the tournament started, Mississippi State's Esport players told Take 30 News they beat Ole' Miss last year and plan to beat them again.
This weekend's competition hosted 14 teams; 7 from Ole' Miss and 7 from Mississippi State. They battled on stage in front of hundreds for the glorious Egg Bowl.
"I see this blowing up I mean its wild watching counter strike on the humps screen right there," MSU Club Advisor Russel Brandon said.
At the event, team members told Take 30 News they were excited for the future of esports and the team at State. They said they appreciated the support from the University and community.
"I would really I would really hope um good people continue to continue to play esports continue to game and uh just make it bigger honestly." Stream Director Nathaniel South said.
The competition was tough this weekend, with a 3 to 3 tie going into the last match. Ultimately, Ole' Miss came out victorious.