North Carolina Wesleyan University’s esports program continues to grow and create new opportunities for students as Brightspeed expands its commitment to strengthening STEM education and esports initiatives across North Carolina through a major statewide investment.
Brightspeed recently announced a $580,000 investment in STEM and esports programs designed to enhance digital learning, support competitive gaming opportunities, and build stronger technology ecosystems throughout the region. The funding supports a wide range of initiatives, including tournament sponsorships, technology lab development, and direct support for school and university esports programs. NC Wesleyan received $15,000.
As part of this statewide effort, North Carolina Wesleyan University esports received funding support for scholarships, equipment upgrades, and travel opportunities, further strengthening the University’s competitive gaming presence and expanding student access to high-quality esports experiences.
“Esports is about far more than gaming,” said Chantoni Grant, Director of Esports at NCWU. “It provides students with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, strategy, communication, and technical skills that align with today’s workforce. This investment helps ensure our students have the resources to compete and succeed at a higher level.”
Student Spotlight: Doors Open for NC Wesleyan Competitors
For students like Lamont Taylor, an NC Wesleyan esports competitor from Princeton, North Carolina, the program has provided opportunities far beyond the screen. Taylor said the program has opened doors both in competition and in career development.
“This program has changed what I thought was possible for me,” Taylor said. “We’ve been able to compete at a higher level and represent our university on bigger stages. It’s not just about gaming. It’s about learning technology, teamwork and skills that will help us in our future careers.”
Taylor’s experience reflects the growing role esports plays in higher education, helping students gain hands-on experience in communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and technical skill development all while building confidence and representing their institution.
Esports Growth Meets Workforce Development
Brightspeed’s investment reflects a growing recognition of esports as an academic and career-building platform, particularly when paired with STEM education. Across the state, funding is supporting initiatives such as:
- Sponsorship of major esports competitions including the Coca-Cola All Stars Golden Ticket Contest, Formula STEM Esports Cup, and Players League Madden NFL Tournament
- Technology lab support for high schools across North Carolina
- Community-based tournament series and youth esports development opportunities
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, this support strengthens the Bishop Gaming Association and provides students with expanded competitive and professional development opportunities.
Esports participation at NC Wesleyan offers students the chance to build skills in areas such as broadcasting, content creation, event production, analytics, digital marketing, and information technology — all while representing the University through competitive play.
Get Involved with NC Wesleyan Esports
North Carolina Wesleyan University encourages students, alumni, and community partners to support the University’s growing esports efforts.
Those interested in learning more about the esports program, partnership opportunities, or student involvement can visit ncwu.edu or follow NC Wesleyan on social media for updates, team highlights, and upcoming competitions.
Esports Thrives at NC Wesleyan University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Bishop Gaming Association (BGA) is North Carolina Wesleyan University’s co-ed Esports Program. Established in September 2019, the BGA has quickly become the College’s largest student club with 89 current members. The Program is categorized into three different entities: the Elite Team, Productions and the Club.
The Elite Team is for students who are looking to compete in leagues or tournaments on a collegiate level. Students can compete on both PC and console platforms in multiple games, including Call of Duty, Overwatch, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros and many more. BGA Elite Team members are part of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the Collegiate Star League (CSL). Since its inception, the team has participated in several third-party tournaments. To become a BGA Elite Team member, students must: complete a questionnaire; submit a highlight reel via Twitch, Facebook or YouTube; participate in live tryouts; and play a game with current members to exhibit their communication and skills in a team environment.
Productions is targeted toward students interested in video editing, content creation, graphic design, journalism, TV shows, podcasting and on-air hosting. The BGA Production room allows students to explore their creative ideas and consists of an iMac computer, an Alienware computer and Elgato products for graphic design, podcasting, editing and streaming. Students within BGA Productions shoot, edit and produce a bi-weekly segment called “BGA News,” which is broadcast on televisions throughout campus and shared on The BGA’s social media accounts.
Those who are casual gamers or spectators interested in gaming as an extracurricular activity are able to join the BGA Club. The Club allows casual gamers to participate in various BGA-sponsored gaming events and activities. Those interested in the Club are able to develop their gaming skills, as well as receive education and various perspectives into the development of video games.
Video game tournaments – known as Esports – are quickly becoming a must-have on many college and university campuses. The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), says that there are currently more than 170 active collegiate varsity Esports teams with over 5,000 student-athletes.
“I am excited to return back to North Carolina Wesleyan University to help promote the culture of gaming, media and entertainment in our community. My goal is to provide students with awareness, resources, advice and experience in the gaming industry,” stated Chantoni Grant, Director of Bishop Gaming Association.
The Bishop Gaming Association has developed positive relationships with faculty, staff, students and media outlets while interacting successfully with the College community. It provides students with knowledge to enter the Esports field from any angle. The BGA offers connections, internship programs and desired career opportunities within the Esports and production industry. Students develop skills in community building, team chemistry, managing and organizing teams, planning and organizing events, and creating innovative and unique strategies. The College’s state-of-the-art, glass-enclosed Esports gaming room, The Fortress, opened in January 2021 in The Hartness Center and is equipped with the some of the best equipment in the gaming industry. The room features a row of Alienware computers, multiple flat screen TVs, a small console area and an Esports art wall created by students.
NCWC’s E-Sports Club Partners with WHIG-TV
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s e-sports club, The Bishop Gaming Association (BGA), recently developed a partnership with WHIG-TV to provide training opportunities for students. Future plans of the partnership include the development of a 30-minute show that will be aired on WHIG-TV, along with job shadowing and internship opportunities.
“We are delighted to be partnering with WHIG-TV. They have been the source of local TV content in Rocky Mount for years. This partnership will provide our students with a unique way to engage with the local community,” stated Chantoni Grant, Admissions Counselor and Director of the Bishop Gaming Association. “This would not have been possible without Dr. Gena Messer-Knode (NC Wesleyan’s Dean of Career Services and Business Innovation), Sandra Smith (General Manager of WHIG-TV) and Robert Morris (Technical Director of WHIG-TV) who were committed to providing Wesleyan students with a remarkable learning opportunity.”
The BGA was founded by Grant during his time as a student in 2019. The club aims to promote the culture of gaming, media and entertainment by providing experiences, advice, awareness and resources to students who are interested in growing in these fields. It has quickly become the College’s largest student organization, averaging more than 80 members over the past three years. Students within the club shoot, edit and produce a bi-weekly segment called “BGA News,” which is broadcast on televisions throughout campus and on The BGA’s social media accounts.
The BGA partnership with WHIG-TV will provide students with the ability to explore broadcast technique, filming, editing and production. Through these opportunities, students will receive hands-on experience applicable to their future career paths.
New NCWC Bishop Gaming Association Takes Second at Triangle Esports Championship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Students on North Carolina Wesleyan’s campus are excited about the new addition of an esports club called The Bishop Gaming Association (BGA). The club is devoted to promoting the culture of gaming by providing experiences, advice, awareness and resources to students interested in exploring, playing and discussing video games of all platforms.
The Bishop Gaming Association seeks to create a competitive environment between students who find enjoyment in playing video games. Video game tournaments – known as esports – are quickly becoming a must-have on many College and University campuses. According to ESPN.com, there are approximately 125 varsity esports teams in North America. Although, the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), says that there are currently more than 130 active collegiate varsity esports teams.
On February 8, Wesleyan students participated in North Carolina’s only esports tournament, the Triangle Esports Championship (TEC), held at the Herbert C. Young Center in Cary, NC. The competition invited approximately 2,000 professional and amateur players to compete for cash and prizes in games including Fortnite, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Street Fighter. Proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the nonprofits Kramden Institute and the Triangle Literacy Council in supporting their efforts for digital inclusion and literacy campaigns in North Carolina. In 2019, the tournament raised $50,000 to further community digital inclusion and literacy efforts. North Carolina Wesleyan was a proud sponsor of this year’s tournament.
“The experience of competing in the Triangle Esports Championship has energized The BGA,” stated Desiree’ Driver, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach and BGA Club Advisor. “The club now has over 100 members and The BGA Elite Team has grown to 16. It’s been exciting to witness not just the socialization and teamwork of such a diverse group of students, but the growth in digital literacy and the collaborative and innovative ways in which they teach and learn from one another.”
North Carolina Wesleyan University students fought competitively and placed on the leaderboards despite the many sponsored players in attendance. Cameron Bullock placed second in the Street Fighter competition and 20 out of 97 participants in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate category. Johnathan Gomez placed 35 out of 200 players in Fortnite. Chantoni Grant, Club President, along with Christian Gardner and Dequan Wiggins, competed in the Rocket League category.
The Bishop Gaming Association was started to allow an untapped NC Wesleyan community find a place of belonging. In its first month, it exploded into one of the largest clubs on campus with over 100 members.
