Ladies and gentlemen, start your software engines.

Fresno State has officially launched its new esports program with two varsity teams of students competing at two different video games — League of Legends and Overwatch.

Though the program is directed by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State — and not by the Department of Athletics — it will join the Mountain West Conference along with the same 11 other member institutions that compete in traditional athletics in the conference. The West division includes Fresno State, Hawaii, Nevada, San Diego State, San Jose State and UNLV, and the Mountain division includes Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, New Mexico, Utah State and Wyoming.

The esports program held a three-phase tryout session in November to select 22 players (10 for League of Legends and 12 for Overwatch).

“Esports is a global phenomenon that has taken hold of the Central Valley and Fresno State,” said Dr. Colin Stewart, associate dean of Student Involvement at Fresno State. “We know our students do better when they are more involved on campus and this is a unique way to engage students through not only gaming, but learning teamwork, leadership, interpersonal and intrapersonal development.”

The community is invited to meet the teams and experience gaming demonstrations at an unveiling event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3 at the Bulldog Zone on the lower level of the University Student Union. University President Joseph I. Castro, other University officials and coaches will speak about the new esports program at 11 a.m. Free pizza will be available while supplies last, and a 50-percent off billiards discount will be offered.

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