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Collision on the Coast 2 Coming to VWU February 17-18
Last year’s inaugural eSports tournament drew more than 2,500 spectators
University News | February 6, 2024
With over 240 participating schools and more than 5,000 student-athletes, eSports continues to grow at an astonishing pace. And Virginia Wesleyan University is right in the midst of it all. With its growing eSports program, the school is leading the way, hosting its second annual Rocket League tournament, Collision on the Coast 2. 
Set for February 17-18, this year’s tournament will include nearly 100 players and coaches from across the country. For those unfamiliar with eSports, Rocket League is a fantastical type of video game. Essentially, it’s soccer with cars, featuring a competitive game mode based on teamwork and outmaneuvering opponents.
A 3v3 game, players work with their team to advance the ball down the field to score goals in their opponents’ net. Rocket League is a technical game which involves both high-level dexterity and fast-paced gameplay. One of the most welcoming elements of the game is its accessibility and familiarity with a traditional sport. 
Last year’s event drew more than 2,500 spectators who viewed the matches in person and on Twitch which is a video live-streaming service that focuses on video game live streaming, including broadcasts of esports competitions, and is currently ranked as the 37th-most-visited website in the world.
At this year’s tournament, there will be two livestreams running throughout the weekend which means viewership is expected to be even greater. Collision on the Coast 2 will overlap with the next Marlins Day Open House and will likely draw a number of prospective recruits.
VWU Rocket League Coach and former player Brandon Kwon ’23 says nothing beats a live event like this. “With a crowd, it’s even more exciting. It can get intense, with victorious teams jumping up and down as they cheer one another on and others completely devastated when they are scored upon.”
A free event, competition will take place at TowneBank Arena on the VWU campus, beginning at 7:00 a.m. and running through 8:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.