Durham College’s Esports Arena recently hosted a Mario Kart 8 tournament, offering stressed-out students the perfect chance to press pause on their academic pressures.
Students were on the edge of their seats, controllers gripped tight, eyes glued to the screen, as they raced through chaotic tracks. This wasn’t just your typical tournament it was a chance to feel free and have fun. The energy in the arena was contagious.
With midterms approaching fast, stress levels were at an all-time high but for the students gathered around the screens, the usual academic worries and deadlines seemed to fade away.
“Gaming is a way to clear your mind,” said Benjamin Langhammer, a second-year student at Durham College. “I spend most of my time stressing over assignments, but this gives me a little break to do something different.”
The event wasn’t just about the competition, but about the connection it created between students. Alex Estrela, Esports coordinator at Durham College and organizer of the tournament, emphasized the importance of such events.
“It’s really about getting people together, building a sense of community, and making new friends around campus,” Estrela explained.
For many students, the tournament provided the perfect mix of socializing and de-stressing. Whether competing to win or just having fun with friends, the tournament proved that gaming is more than just a hobby, it’s an opportunity for students to step away from their studies and focus on something that’s all about enjoyment.
As the event came to an end, participants were filled with excitement, not only from the competition but from the connections made and the break they got from their busy academic schedules.
For students at Durham College, the Esports Arena is more than just a place to play games. It’s an escape, offering a space to relax, bond with others and take breaks from the pressures of college life.