Gopher Esports Club & Events – University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA

UMN runs a robust varsity and club esports program, hosting weekly team practices, LAN nights, and major events like GopherCon. Gopher Esports at the University of Minnesota is more than just a club—it’s a campus-wide movement built on competition, community, academics, and recreation, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious competitor, this program offers a place to grow, connect, and thrive.

The club fields competitive teams in games like Rocket League, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, participating in conferences like NACE, NECC, and the Big Esports Conference. In 2024, their Rocket League team made headlines by winning the Rockstar Collegiate Invitational Championship in an intense 12-hour final.

Players enjoy pro-level support with Golden Gopher apparel, Nike team gear, media coverage, and access to the Ridder Arena Esports Lab—complete with gaming setups, film review stations, and team meeting space. It’s a program that takes its athletes seriously, on and off the screen.

Gopher Esports also runs standout events like GopherCon, campus BBQs, and LANs, building a tight-knit community that celebrates both competition and connection. Backed by university departments and aligned with broader campus goals, the club continues to push for more visibility, growth, and even a dedicated esports facility.

Gaming at a glance:
📍 100 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0213 (campus-wide student union venues)
🕒 Seasonal events tied to academic schedule
💻 Supports Rocket League, Valorant, Smash, and more, including JVs esports
🏆 Varsity-level competition, open club scrims, community LAN
💲 Free to UMN students; public events via campus policies
🎯 Great for collegiate-level competitors and LAN enthusiasts

📞 +1 (612) 625-5000
📧 gopheresports@umn.edu
🌐 https://gopheresports.umn.edu/