Rider University’s e-sports team continues to expand its reach with both casual and competitive gaming opportunities for students, offering a welcoming community centered around popular video games. The organization holds separate meetings for players interested in recreational gaming and those competing in collegiate tournaments, according to club leaders. With participation in multiple leagues and plans for community events, the Rider e-sports program is experiencing significant growth this semester.
The casual gaming group recently gathered on Feb. 19 to play “Murder By Numbers,” a collaborative puzzle game, while the competitive team simultaneously competed in a rescheduled Super Smash Bros. match. Both sessions took place on campus, with the casual team meeting in Fine Arts and competitive players in the Science and Technology center starting at 7:30 p.m.
Competitive E-Sports Team Participates in Multiple Leagues
Junior English major Julian Geibel, who serves as president of the e-sports club and captain of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team, explained that the competitive squad currently competes in the Mid-American Conference. The team hosts Super Smash Bros. and Street Fighter Six tournaments every other Friday in collaboration with The College of New Jersey. Additionally, players participate in the Garden State Esports league, which involves traveling to other colleges for in-person competitions.
According to freshman member Julian Paz, a communication studies major, the competitive gaming experience has been particularly memorable. He recalled facing top-tier programs including Rutgers and Princeton during a Garden State Esports competition last semester. The dual-league structure provides both online and in-person competitive opportunities for team members throughout the season.
Royal Stampede Tournament Highlights Competitive Season
Later this season, Rider’s e-sports team will compete in the Royal Stampede, a larger-scale tournament that the university participated in for the first time last year. Geibel noted that this event is significantly bigger than the biweekly Smash tournaments, which tend to be more local and small-scale in comparison. However, both types of competitions serve important roles in developing player skills and team cohesion.
The competitive team’s schedule alternates with TCNJ for tournament hosting responsibilities throughout the semester. This partnership allows both universities to share resources while maintaining regular competitive play for their respective teams. Meanwhile, the structure provides consistent practice opportunities for players looking to improve their performance.
Community Building Through Gaming
Both team leaders emphasized the welcoming atmosphere within Rider’s e-sports community. Geibel stated that the organization is fundamentally about bringing people together to play games and build connections. Paz echoed this sentiment, explaining that the community welcomes both casual and competitive players who share an interest in video games.
In contrast to some competitive gaming environments, the Rider e-sports team maintains an inclusive culture while still fostering serious competition. Paz noted that while the competitive team is best suited for players with more than casual interest, the overall community remains accessible to students at all skill levels. The dual-track approach allows students to engage with e-sports based on their personal preferences and commitment levels.
Future Plans for E-Sports Growth at Rider
Looking ahead, club leadership has outlined plans to increase campus engagement through events at Muller’s Pub and other community initiatives. Geibel’s primary objective is maintaining the current success of Rider e-sports while ensuring the program continues to thrive. He acknowledged that the organization is currently in a strong position and expressed desire to sustain that momentum into the next academic year.
The e-sports team remains open to new members as the competitive season progresses. Students interested in joining can participate in either the casual or competitive tracks depending on their skill level and availability for tournament play.
