Esmy Infante: A Journey into Esports

Esmy Infante, a senior at Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA), has transformed from a casual gamer into a prominent figure in the esports community. Initially drawn to the university after attending a gaming event there, Infante discovered their passion for competitive gaming, largely influenced by friends who were also part of the university.

As the captain of TAMUSA’s Overwatch team, a popular multiplayer first-person shooter, Infante has achieved remarkable success, ranking among the top 1% of Overwatch players nationally. In 2024, they were awarded one of only five Student Leadership Awards by the National Association of Collegiate Esports.

Understanding Esports

Esports, or electronic sports, encompass organized multiplayer video game competitions, both online and in-person, captivating vast audiences and offering considerable prizes. Titles such as League of Legends, Fortnite, Dota 2, and Super Smash Bros are integral to the esports landscape.

Infante described how competitive gaming has enriched their life, enabling them to connect with individuals statewide while proudly representing TAMUSA. Recently, Infante participated in the first-ever A&M System Showdown, held at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, where various campuses from Texas A&M competed across different gaming titles.

TAMUSA’s teams excelled, achieving first place in Super Smash Bros for independent players, second in crew play, and second overall in Overwatch, demonstrating their prowess among six competing campuses.

The Esports Landscape in San Antonio

The partnership between TAMUSA and Tech Port is elevating San Antonio to a notable position in the esports sector, according to Aaron Jaggers, the head esports coach at TAMUSA. Despite the position being non-existent five years ago, the rise of esports has prompted educational institutions to establish esports programs, thereby enhancing their competitiveness.

Due to TAMUSA’s strategic location and its status as a newer A&M campus, the institution has developed one of the most robust esports programs within the Texas A&M system. Approximately one-quarter of participants in the A&M System Showdown hailed from TAMUSA.

Local tech initiatives, such as the SAMSAT’s R20 High School Esports League, further bolster the esports ecosystem. With around 1,000 visitors per month, the Tech Port’s gaming center emphasizes a supportive environment for current and aspiring gamers.

Linking Education and Career Opportunities

According to Will Garrett, Vice President of Talent Development at Port San Antonio, the integration of esports in academia is a calculated move to inspire students to consider careers in the tech industry. The Port has invested over $70 million into the Tech Port Center and Arena over the last five years, aiming to develop a skilled workforce for future tech jobs.

With a projected global esports market value of approximately $16.7 billion by 2033—up from $2.3 billion in 2023—careers in this sector are becoming increasingly viable. The U.S. currently dominates the market, contributing more than $870 million in revenues in 2023 through various revenue streams such as sponsorships, advertising, and competitions.

Esports as a Gateway for Students

Esports is not solely about gaming; it’s also a conduit for essential life skills. Ansley Partosa, head of the Greater Gaming Society of San Antonio, highlighted how these programs can engage students who may lack interest in traditional school activities. For many, gaming serves as a bridge to community and personal engagement.

Esports scholarships are emerging as new avenues for financial assistance, increasing from $8 million to $16 million nationwide between the 2020-2021 academic years. Though TAMUSA does not currently offer full-ride esports scholarships, smaller scholarships are available, signaling growth in this area.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Esports

Colleges like TAMUSA are at the forefront of the expanding esports movement. As other institutions observe TAMUSA’s successful program, the landscape is expected to evolve rapidly. Aaron Jaggers notes that accessibility to gaming technology has fueled this growth decision.

“Fifteen years ago, we had no idea that collegiate esports would be something that would be a viable career path,” Jaggers stated. The increasing access to gaming devices has opened up avenues for countless students to explore their passion for gaming in an academic context.