GSC’s First Collegiate Esports Team Secures Early Wins in Inaugural Season, Fosters Community
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Two Gordon State College alumni and current staff members established Highlander Nation’s first collegiate esports team, founding the Gordon Gamers club and leading the team to multiple wins in its inaugural National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) esports season.
In May 2023, Joba Duke, an academic advisor, and David Grau, library technical services specialist, responded to student interest by laying the groundwork for an official esports team. Drawing on student feedback, they researched competitive gaming and began developing the team structure.
“I've been a gamer for most of my life, and it's been fascinating to watch the evolution of gaming over the years. Esports is a rapidly growing industry, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to bring it to Gordon State and support our students as they thrive in this space,” Grau said.
They began recruiting members over the summer and by fall had enough interest to establish the Gordon Gamers. The club aimed to unite students with a passion for gaming, also offering a competitive outlet for those who may not participate in traditional athletics.
“It has been amazing to see the interest in esports from all types of students,” Duke said. “With the competitions held online, commuters, residents, dual-enrolled, and fully online students of all abilities can participate in a league-wide sport. The team has such a supportive and energetic spirit!”
In its first year, Gordon Gamers hosted tournaments and gaming events while fundraising to cover league fees. Now, GSC’s first esports team has officially joined the NJCAA, with Duke and Grau as its first-appointed coaches.
Early in the first season, Gordon Gamers earned multiple wins. In a Tier 1 match on Oct. 1, Nolan Addison, core curriculum major from Upson County, secured the team’s first win in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate against Guilford Technical Community College, followed by another Tier 1 victory on Oct. 15 against Northwest Florida State College. On Oct. 28, team captain Rosser Jackson, business administration major from Upson County, claimed a Tier 3 win in chess against Southern State Community College. In NJCAA esports, Tier 1 matches represent the highest level of competition, while Tier 3 matches include other skilled gaming events.
Gordon Gamers currently has teams competing in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Madden NFL, Call of Duty: Gunfight, and chess, with weekly matches in each game. The NJCAA esports league hosts two seasons annually in fall and spring. Tier 3 events offer rolling registration with no eligibility requirements, allowing students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to participate.
“As a longtime member of the original gaming club, I'm thrilled to see [Gordon State College] finally spread its wings and soar to new heights in the championships,” said Tommy Martin, GSC management and administration major from Upson County. “Go GG's!”
For more information about the Gordon Gamers esports team or club, visit www.gordonstate.edu or contact coaches Grau and Duke at DavidG@gordonstate.edu, JobaD@gordonstate.edu.