Once a year, the Joe Crowley Student Union ballrooms fill with a few hundred students and gaming enthusiasts for Break the Internet, a 12-hour ultimate gaming event. As visitors arrive, they’re greeted by an artist alley, a hallway of vendors featuring students selling video game–themed art, including paintings, drawings and crafts. The Crochet Club also has a booth selling handmade beanies, keychains and stuffed animals.  

The main event in the ballrooms was full of energy and buzzing with sound as a live orchestra played theme songs from classic games such as Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda. Hosted by Nevada Esports each spring, the event is open to all University of Nevada, Reno students and the greater Northern Nevada community. 

Whether someone is a casual gamer or ready to compete at the collegiate level, Nevada Esports offers an inclusive space for everyone. With no membership fees and a wide range of gaming options, participants can also bring other interests. Nevada Esports has grown into one of the largest student communities on campus, proving that the club is a welcoming space that goes beyond playing video games.  

“We've really fostered a community of people to have a spot, even if they don’t play a ton of games. It's a place for people who want somewhere to go and just be chill. This is a place where people make lifelong friends,” said Jillian Graham, senior and president of Esports.  

This club is deeply rooted in the University's history, serving students for 21 years. The club first appeared in 2004, adding its esports competition side in 2012.

Esports has gained popularity over the last decade. It officially became part of the Mountain West conference in 2018 and players now compete against other esports collegiate teams in a range of video games from Rocket League to Super Smash Bros. 

Just like any sports team, esports players need to show transcripts to participate and get officially excused from classes if they need to travel to competitions throughout the semester.  

With official tryouts and recruitment, players on the official Nevada Esports team compete for a spot to play. The club side of Nevada Esports brings more students into the fun. With 1,795 Discord members, students with busy schedules can check out Nevada Esports without needing to leave their houses. 

As trends and games have evolved, the club has grown along with it, offering everything from  Minecraft to Fortnite to the current favorite, Rocket League, an arcade-style soccer with rocket-powered cars. The competition team took first place with Rocket League in 2020.   

Nevada Esports is the largest student group on campus, serving a wide variety of communities. No matter how trends fade in and out of popularity, there’s almost always a group or interest area represented within Nevada Esports.

“We have a space for everybody, come join our community. Even if you think someone isn’t interested in your 'niche,' you can make a space for your interest. There's a ton of people who are willing to try a new game or hobby,” Graham said.