Boise State University, Michigan State University and Syracuse University, among other institutions, partner to create the conference, bolstering competitive collegiate esports offerings
A group of eight universities have collaborated to launch the Power Esports Conference (PEC) with play beginning this academic year. In an initiative spearheaded by Boise State University, Michigan State University and Syracuse University, the conference will offer esports competition for powerhouse institutions with Division 1 athletics in four esports titles for the 2024-2025 academic year. Joining these institutions are the Ohio State University, University of Kansas, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska and University of Southern California. It will allow for a unique sharing of knowledge and expertise, allowing members of the PEC to gain access to specialized broadcast, marketing and media offerings.
“We are proud to help form the Power Esports Conference, a first-of-its-kind collaboration to create memorable and meaningful competitive opportunities for our students, alumni, and partners. This conference brings together like-minded institutions to highlight some of the best and brightest in collegiate esports and is a positive step forward in continuing to grow esports opportunities at Michigan State University.”
Christopher Bilski, Director of Esports at Michigan State University
“We are elated to help establish this conference and play peer institutions in a fixed season schedule that expands upon our traditional athletic rivalries. The PEC will be a great addition to the other leagues and publisher tournaments that make for a great student experience.”
Dr. Chris Haskell, Head Coach of Esports at Boise State University
“Getting peer institutions that have similar esports pursuits together represents a new dynamic in collegiate esports. We are excited to provide high quality esports productions to our campus communities with storylines they resonate with that goes beyond gaming.”
Dr. Joey Gawrysiak, Executive Director of Esports at Syracuse University
The competitive season will begin on Sept. 23, 2024, with weekly matches for seven weeks in the fall semester and seven weeks in the spring semester. There will be an in-person championship in the spring with all eight member schools competing for championships in VALORANT, Overwatch 2, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.