Esports
Explore Esports at University of Waikato. Unlock your potential in the rapidly growing Esports industry. Study the Esports minor, join our vibrant Esports Club, and access cutting-edge facilities. Be a game changer today.
Esports minor
The Esports minor aims to allow students to weave their passion for video games and innovations found in Esports into their chosen career path. Choose papers from one of three recommended pathways, ‘Athletes and Coaching’, ‘Industry, Events and Management’ or ‘Design, Media and Production’. For the people who want to be game changers.
Esports club
Formed in 2019, University of Waikato Esports was established to enhance Esports opportunities for students at the University of Waikato. The club is open to students and staff. Catering to competitive and social players, the Club is based at the Esports Arena on our Hamilton campus.
Games: University of Waikato Esports provides members with access to many Esports games including League of Legends, Valorant, Fortnite, Overwatch and Rocket League.
Rates: A & B trimester (up to 10 hours per week) - Free.
Esports arena
Waikato is the first New Zealand university to develop a purpose-built Esports arena. The facility houses 12 high-tech OMEN gaming computers, a racing simulator and a console area and is used for training, competitions and socialising.
Students, staff and recent alumni can access the Esports Arena by becoming a University of Waikato Esports member.
Location: The Station, 164 Hillcrest Road, Hamilton
Opening hours: See the Esports Facebook page.
Study options and careers
As Esports grows, so too have the work opportunities available. Below are some career opportunities through esports and how study at the University of Waikato can support these career pathways. For career development tools and support refer to University Career Development Services.
Caster - Good communication skills.
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Arts – performance and narrative
Analyst/Coach/Referee - Strategy generation, analyse player strengths and weaknesses, motivator.
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance, sport development and coaching major
Content Creator/Journalist - Good communication, written and interview skills, creativity, video editing, social media management.
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Arts - Screen and Media Studies, media production (visual journalism), e.g. paper MEDIA305 Interactive Media Design
- Bachelor of Design
Public Relations and Marketing - Brand positioning, marketing plans, sponsorship and relationship management. Social Media and fanbase management. Audiences Research and knowledge of Media consumption in 21st Century.
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Design, specifically the Communication Design Major
- Bachelor of Arts (Screen and Media Studies)
Event/Team Manager - Logistics, Excellent time management, organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
Game Developers - Developing an understanding of gameplay, game mechanics, mastery and skill, and rules systems.
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Paper COMPX536 Advanced Graphics and Computer Games
- Game Design paper MEDIA309 (NET) – T Semester
- Bachelor of Design (specifically the Media Design and Interaction Design Majors)
Become a University of Waikato Esports member
Membership is completely free for all current University of Waikato students, staff and recent alumni (graduated within 2 years). Members get access to the Esports Arena and 10 hours game time per week on the PCs during the trimester.
Esports video
Did you know we're the first New Zealand University to open an Esports arena? Watch the video to find out more.
Armageddon
The University of Waikato has stands at Armageddon. Join our team of volunteers for the opportunity to help at these types of incredible events.
Volunteering
Volunteering provides a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, meet new people and play a major role in delivering esports at the University of Waikato. We are seeking arena assistant volunteers to help run our esports presence on campus.
High performance team
Waikato is seeking athletes for High performance esports teams to represent the University of Waikato. If you are a talented esports player, contact the Esports co-ordinator to express your interest in competing. We are currently looking for high elo League of Legends and Valorant players, but if you play any other esports at a high level we still want to hear from you.