University of Montana Grizzly Esports Grows Gaming Across Montana

MISSOULA – High school freshman Freddy Jimenez showed off his video games skills last weekend against the University of Montana’s Grizzly Esports team. Jimenez and three teammates from Heart Butte High School on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation beat UM in the first game of an in-person tournament hosted by Big Sky State Games in the University Center Ballroom.

Jimenez and his classmates cheered and high-fived each other after victoriously playing Rocket League, a video game that uses cars to play soccer. The experience at the tournament gave Jimenez a taste of university life and a reminder that he could one day earn a scholarship to play esports in college.

“It opens up doors,” he said. “Ten years ago this wouldn’t even be possible.”

By Kyle Spurr, UM News Service