TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – Video games are typically viewed as a common hobby, but imagine getting a college scholarship to play one of your favorite games.
That’s exactly what Griffin Gaggero will be doing this fall, on a scholarship that only a handful of Kansas colleges offer.
Like many teens, Griffin loves video games.
When he learned he could turn his passion for video games into a college scholarship, it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“For the past couple years now, I’ve had ambitions to be a pro gamer,” said Gaggero. “But, when I saw this opportunity open up, it just didn’t seem real.”
In the fall, he’ll be attending Coffeyville Community College in Kansas on an esports scholarship.
When his teacher Jacob Tapia heard the news, he was excited for Griffin, and what it means for other students.
“A lot of the kids that play these games, they don’t really see a whole lot of value in going to college because there’s not a lot for them to do,” said Tapia. “But, this gives them a buy in into the college dynamic.”
According to the National Association of Collegiate Esports, over 130 schools offer esports with over 3,000 students that participate. So far, over $15 million in esports scholarships have been awarded.
So, how do esports work? According to Griffin, it’s just like any other sport.
“When you’re a competitive video gamer, you play one game and one game only,” said Gaggero. “It’s like the same way a baseball player only plays baseball.”
Griffin said he encourages other gamers to follow their passion because you never know where it might lead you.
To find our more about esports and scholarship opportunities, click HERE.