MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The University of Minnesota is home to a nationally-ranked team that doesn't practice on a court or field, but instead on the virtual battlefield of popular computer game Overwatch.
The Minnesota Daily reports that the university's Overwatch team is currently in its preseason, competing against other schools such as Arizona State University and Texas Tech University. The team is practicing for esports company Tespa's Overwatch Collegiate Championship tournament, which awards winners with scholarship money.
Players competed for over $120,000 in scholarships last year. The championship tournament won't be held until spring of next year.
During preseason, team members play two matches every Sunday and practice between two and five hours each week. Practices might include playing the game solo or with friends, watching professionals online or reviewing tape from previous matches.
