Yukon eSports Alliance super smashes their way to the Battle of B.C.
Imagine, a conference centre filled to the brim with TV monitors, big screens, and gaming consoles – live streamed to millions across the world. Among the setup are cosplayers with artfully designed costumes, vendors selling themed artwork, high octane crowds, and hundreds of competitors ready to take their skills to the top. We’re talking about the Battle of B.C., one of the biggest eSports events in Canada. This year, Northwestel is proud to be sponsoring the Yukon eSports Alliance with new team jerseys and funds to compete at the Battle of B.C. tournament March 29th-31st.
Started from the bottom
With humble roots, Brandon Wicke returned to his passion for video games that he developed at a young age and started the first Yukon eSports league in 2020. From there, he formed a committed group of avid gamers and started hosting monthly tournaments.
Brandon Wicke, Yukon eSports Alliance President
As the tournament's popularity continues to grow, organizers see folks of all ages come together. The interaction between generations creates an enriched gaming experience, where those with 20 years of experience play against teens, who have quick reflexes that the new titles require. This dynamic makes it possible to practice against different styles, strategies, and skill levels to help make the team a strong force when competing in national tournaments.
Now we’re here
Many variables came together to get the Yukon eSports Alliance B.C. Battle ready. Between lots of practice and having access to Northwestel’s terrestrial fibre-powered network, the team is just as prepared as any team from the South. It’s not a coincidence the Yukon eSports Alliance started the same year Northwestel launched its Every Community Project, that achieved the ambitious undertaking of bringing unlimited, high-speed, fibre-powered Internet to every terrestrial community in the Yukon and Northwest Territories over 3 years. With this came a faster, more reliable, and lower latency experience in many of our communities that gamers rely on for less lag and a competitive edge. It literally means the difference between winning and losing a match.
Monthly eSports alliance team meets at Titan Gaming in Whitehorse, YT.
Wicke says, “So much of the competitive video gaming industry hinges on high-speed Internet, with not only the ability to play our favorite games online, but for making tournaments happen. With help from Northwestel, we can stream and broadcast our games, create and share video content, and host large scale events where dozens of gamers are online together in the same place.”
The future of northern eSports
With how far the Yukon eSports Alliance has come, there is only going up from here! With so much community support, Wicke says the team feels like their e-gaming is being recognized as a legitimate sport.
With new game titles being offered every month, there’s an opportunity to diversify, challenge yourself, and even indulge in your favourite game with like-minded individuals. Folks of all ages, genders, and skill abilities are encouraged to join the monthly meet-ups. If there is a game you wish to see played, the league is open to suggestions of all kinds.
John (John), Michael (Maxxi), Rich (Rain), Tommy (Tommy) looking ready to compete.
Plus, keep an eye out for future pop-up events! With unlimited, high-speed Internet available across the Yukon, eSports can be shared with communities outside of Whitehorse too.
If you’re interested in joining, remember it’s about making lasting connections, being together, and who knows, maybe you’ll even find yourself, jersey in tow, competing in eSports on the national stage. Thanks to the Yukon eSports Alliance and the Every Community Project, this dream is now possible.
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eSports Team Yukon (L-R:T-B): Michael (Maxxi), Levi (Psykotic), Cody (UUDD), John (John), Devon (Maple ii), Brandon (Eldritch), Tommy (Tommy) *missing Rich (Rain)
Learn more about the Every Community Project here: https://www.nwtel.ca/every-community
Learn about the Yukon eSports Alliance and their events through their Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/groups/yukonesports
Thank you to Titan Gaming & Collectables for proving a photoshoot venue.
