Esports Club recruits new members after reconfiguring Games Lab

The Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Complex is known for being a place to get some exercise and have fun with friends at Montana Tech, but a newly reconfigured space offers opportunities for just as much activity without ever breaking a sweat.

HPER 143 is home to the Games Lab and the Montana Tech Esports Club. The space was designated in 2022, two years after the Esports Club started. Team members are diligently working to increase the club’s offerings and grow its membership, which includes approximately a dozen students.

Adel Bigart (Associate of Science, ’24) was president of the Esports Club when it first began. He now is a computer support specialist, and the staff sponsor of the club.

“I notice a lot of people who are interested in Computer Science and video games, even if they aren’t in the computer field, who are very social internally, and want to express it outwardly, but it’s difficult to find an outlet,” Bigart said. “Video games allow you to express yourself and the club connects you with other people to socialize with.”

Bigart says the club helped him make many friends during his time as a student.

“College is the place that a lot of people make lifelong friends,” Bigart said. “If it wasn’t for our community, I wouldn’t have those friendships that I’ve kept since I graduated, and intend to keep throughout my life. It’s really important to me that we support the community for all gaming skill levels and interests.”

The club’s Discord has around 90 users, including alumni. Bigart says there are opportunities to do outreach outside of the University.

“There isn’t a video game hub in Butte,” Bigart said. “I’m also hoping to reach out to the high schools.”

The club has machines set up for maximum security. Students can bring their own mice, headphones, or keyboards if they wish, but all of the equipment is there if necessary.

In addition to PCs, the club has Nintendo switches available for use. The club plays games ranging from fighting games, multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAS), and sports games like Rocket League. Fridays are free days, with VR headsets provided. The lab is open Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Special events are also planned. There was a Smashbrothers Tournament on Oct. 13. 

Eventually the Esports Club would like to offer scholarships and become an official University sports team. Other universities in Montana have had great success in growing their clubs, and Bigart is in touch with them to learn and grow Montana Tech’s Esports Club. To reach those goals the team is appreciative of sponsorships and scholarship donations. Anyone with interest is contributing or participating can contact Bigart at abigart@mtech.edu.