University Offers Scholarships to Fortnite Players

The tired cliche that video games will rot your brain is getting a run of its money, all thanks to a college in Ohio that will soon begin offering scholarship to the top players of the sandbox survival co-op game Fortnite Battle Royale.

According to Josh Buchanan, the head coach of Ashland University's newly formed esports team Ashland Eagles, prospective students can apply for the scholarship via its official website and those who qualify will be eligible for scholarships of up to $4,000 as they compete and practice together as a collegiate team, starting this fall semester.

“Fortnite appeals to both the core and casual gaming audience,” said Buchanan, who also happens to be one of the country’s top-ranking players and a commentator of "Starcraft 2"/memes/subcultures/starcraft. “We’re excited to provide this platform for gamers who want to showcase their skills in a more competitive space. Fortnite facilitates an environment that allows players to get creative, innovate and show off their mastery of their skills.”

Ashland Eagles will also compete in a number of other globally popular titles, including League of Legends, Overwatch, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rocket League.

The Eagles aren’t the first college-level eSports team. As esports continue to grow in popularity, with more than 20% market growth per year and the milestone of a billion dollar industry fast approaching, more universities and high schools across the United States have been venturing into competitive gaming. Last year, the University of California courted Overwatch players with scholarships, while the University of Akron and Kent State University have both launched similar esports programs. The National Federation of State High School Associations are also planning a gaming league for this fall.

The announcement is already getting buzz from players online. However, some are dubious as to how it will all shake out.

broke: universities begin to offer Fortnite scholarships, students begin to drop into class

woke: universities begin to offer Super Smash Bros. scholarships, students begin to wavedash into classhttps://t.co/ovvTwqyP18

— Shane (@FourScore64) April 24, 2018

This university in Ohio is offering scholarships to top 'Fortnite' players: https://t.co/XQlvSJsXHt pic.twitter.com/fUnJxqsLDp

— Complex (@Complex) April 21, 2018

it is now time i take my fortnite talents to ohio https://t.co/mdXfD9TjkD

— Krazygio suspended (Krazygioo) April 23, 2018

Well mom looks like I’m finally going to college

— itsonlymid (@abnunez13) April 21, 2018

i have given up on my animation dreams as of today, i shall now strive for a fortnite scholarship

— dover boi 🐵👿 (@Inkwell1931) April 23, 2018

Ashland University in Ohio is offering top Fortnite: Battle Royale players a $4,000 scholarship exclusively for their university. I have yet to decide whether this is incredibly stupid (in terms of money spent) or oddly smart (in terms of rising enrollment). Only time will tell.

— Gabe Puckett (GP) (@lucrativv) April 22, 2018

Think you got what it takes to be an Ashland Eagle? Apply for the scholar ship on the team website.