Aston University has announced it is putting on its first major esports tournament set up by students – and what is claimed to be Birmingham’s largest without university aid.
The Aston Valorant Series will take place on Sunday December 19th 2021, with more than 60 students from Aston taking part in the internal tournament.
What started out as an idea from a small group of people soon became a reality.
The Aston tournament is going to be livestreamed on Twitch, with ‘a set of professional casters for the semi-finals and the finals’ starting at 7pm, with hundreds expected to tune in and watch. Counterfeit and Hanno are on board as casters.
Aston Apes said in a press release: “This will undoubtedly be a conspicuous, record-setting event for Aston University as we pursue a new era of competitive student esports.
“University teams, like Aston Apes, express the passion and incredible dedication students have toward esports, further paving a bright future for university esports.
“Some students have already shown an aptitude for professional gaming and wish to pursue this further. This tournament may also act as a podium for those wishing to display their skill and potential.
“This tournament will provide an equal opportunity for all Aston university students who wish to compete in a friendly but competitive environment.”
“This will undoubtedly be a conspicuous, record-setting event for Aston University as we pursue a new era of competitive student esports.”
Aston Apes
One student added: “I think it’s honestly incredible, the tournaments always offer a fun and fair way to compete with other students, and are a welcome escape from work!”
Back in 2016, the old Aston Aunties League of Legends team represented the UK in the European University Esports Masters League of Legends tournament, after winning the NUEL’s GAME National Championship UK university LoL competition.
Elsewhere, at the pro level of Valorant, the climax of the year-long VCT (Valorant Champions Tour) is happening right now. Valorant Champions is taking place in Berlin, featuring 16 of the world’s best teams, including Fnatic and Team Liquid – both of which feature UK talent.
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
This is another proud moment for me as an aston student!!!