St. Clair College is launching the country's first-ever post-secondary eSports program.
Called 'Saint Gaming', the college is putting together a team of players to compete in a variety of international video game tournaments.
Members will specialize in specific PC or consol games including Hearthstone, League of Legends and Counter Strike.
Saints eSports Coordinator, Shaun Byrne, says it'll be a more professional atmosphere than playing at home. "Luckily we do not run into it very often where people use inappropriate names and stuff like that. If you are looking to join a collegiate team you are going to have to start thinking about things like that more carefully. Now that you are representing a brand, like St. Clair College and Saints Gaming, that is going to be a little bit more important."
"This program offers more than just a chance at competitive gaming," says Byrne. "If you are lucky enough and good enough to make the team, you are going to be getting a scholarship similar to what traditional varsity sports players get."
The college has dedicate $250,000 to the program.
Tryouts take place at a college-hosted tournament on June 10th and 11th.