Students from McKinley and Roosevelt High Schools Win $15,000 Scholarship from HPU

Students from McKinley and Roosevelt High Schools received a $15,000 scholarship for claiming the victory at Hawaii's first eSports Scholarship Tournament hosted by Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). Held at HPU's eSports Arena at Aloha Tower Marketplace, the tournament celebrated 49 participants and was a huge success, attracting a crowd of spectators and fans for an evening that included live coverage by ESPN radio, refreshments, a live DJ and prizes.

"We are passionate about gaming and were really excited just to be a part of the tournament," said Duy Nguyen, McKinley High School student and team captain. "Becoming the champions, winning the scholarship and seeing our hard work and skills acknowledged on a collegiate level has been absolutely incredible."

HPU's presentation of a scholarship award check of $15,000 to the winning team from McKinley and Roosevelt High Schools represents the institution's expanded commitment to providing affordable higher education opportunities, making a university degree a more equitable pursuit for a diverse array of students.

"As our world evolves in this digital age, HPU is committed to evolving with it," said Cody Down, chief information officer and associate vice president at HPU. "Sports have always played a central role in higher education and we are expanding that role to engage a whole new generation of students, athletes and fans."

HPU's inaugural eSports scholarship tournament reflects the school's commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation in higher education. Their curriculum, educational methods and facilities keep pace with the evolution of a modern and increasingly digital world. The new arena serves as a unique campus hub where students whose digital skills have been previously overlooked can pursue their passions and explore their greatest potential.

"HPU's eSports arena and their scholarship tournament is really inspiring and encouraging to our generation," said Kaylen Wan, McKinley High School student and team member. "It is amazing to see our video game skills opening new doors and being valued and supported like the abilities of traditional athletes."

The corporate supporters of HPU's eSports scholarship tournament are main sponsor Hawaiian Telcom, PC Gamerz, ESPN Radio, the Microsoft Store and Dell/EMC.     

The arena is a cutting-edge, high-tech facility equipped with 24 high powered gaming computers, three gaming consoles, two virtual reality stations and multiple viewing areas. Twelve HPU student athletes currently compete with teams across the nation in one of the most popular online games, League of Legends. For more information about the HPU eSports Arena, hours and rates of play, please visit hpu.edu/esports.