Esports league expands, includes Iona

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This is the first time the Big East conference comes to the Electronic Gaming Federation. // Photos used from left to right: Matthew Chaves/The Ionian – https://flic.kr/p/29JYL1L – https://flic.kr/p/2haNDT5 – https://flic.kr/p/2b4oUQp

Matthew Chaves, Sports Editor

The Electronic Gaming Federation announced the EGFC League Season 2 on Oct. 5, expanding the total teams to 32, including Iona College in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. 

The expansion is nationwide, moving from just the east coast to the west coast as well. There are four subdivisions: the Big East conference, the MAAC, the Eastern conference and the Western Conference. In the MAAC are Canisius, Fairfield, Manhattan, Marist, Monmouth, Niagara, Quinnipiac, Rider, Saint Peter’s, Siena and, finally, Iona College. 

This comes after a successful first season with the MAAC in EGF, as well as successfully run and completed tournaments in a myriad of games including Rocket League, Overwatch, FIFA and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.  

“The MAAC is excited to continue its partnership with the EGF after a very successful first year of recognizing esports as an official conference sport,” MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor said. “This year brings even more excitement as all 11 MAAC member institutions are now set to compete in the EGF. We look forward to watching all of our schools and student-athletes participate on such a high-level platform.” 

EGF itself is a growing college esports organization that’s getting support from all over the nation, including other colleges who are aiming to get into the esports scene. 

The EGFC League Season 2 kicked off on Oct. 5 and will conclude at the EGFC National Championship, which will be held April 24-25, 2021. EGF broadcasts all their matches on their five Twitch channels, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.