Hall of Game Kicks off Epic Week at Full Sail University
Full Sail kicked off their Hall of Fame week on Sunday afternoon with their 4th annual Hall of Game esports event at the Orlando Health Fortress.
In a high energetic environment, hundreds of people gathered to watch alumni and students battle it out in Call of Duty, Rocket League and Smash Bros. When it comes to which side to cheer for, Bennett Newsome, Director of Esports Growth and Development at Full Sail University says,
"It's always a little tough to choose a favorite. Do you want to cheer on the current varsity team or do you want to cheer on the alumni that have been here and are now coming back to celebrate on campus? It's a little tough. You see a mix. Some years we'll get varsity winning and some years we'll get the alumni coming and showing them who's boss."
With the 2024 trophy hanging in the balance, both teams battled it out. Varsity took the victory with Call of Duty while the alumni tied it up by beating them in Rocket League. The decision came down to Smash Bros with an epic win, the alumni showed the current students who was boss!
The event drew a number of people, including former NFL athlete and Player Epic CEO, Johnny Williams, who brought his daughter who he games with often. "I thought it was a high energy event and it would be a great daddy-daughter day."
Sunday's kickoff featured food trucks, entertainment, arcade cabinet games and a Free Play area were attendees could battle it out in a number of games like Tekken and Fortnite.
During the event five students from within Full Sail Armada, the university’s collegiate level esports team and community, were each awarded $10,000 in scholarship funds during the event totaling $50,000.
Students who received the scholarship were Noah Bray, Rajah Conteh, Najee Dyson, Raven Grant, and Alexander Kennedy.
“It’s exciting to be a part of this amazing esports community and help present the five scholarships,” said Orlando Health Senior Vice President and Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute President Carlos Carrasco. “The scholarship commitment stands as a cornerstone of this innovative partnership, as both of our organizations understand the importance of investing in the next generation.”
This marks the 14th annual Hall of Fame, a time-honored tradition in acknowledging graduates who have made outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment media and emerging technologies through the university’s 45-year history. This years inductees include:
- Natalie Asport (2013 Computer Animation Graduate)
- Mark Diaz (2014 Game Development Graduate)
- Michael La Plante (2010 Web Design & Development Graduate)
- Nina Lopez-Corrado (2007 Film Graduate)
- Benjamin Rice (2012 Recording Arts Graduate)
- Nadine Santos (2001 Recording Arts Graduate)
Full Sail University is an award-winning educational leader for those pursuing careers in entertainment media and emerging technologies. Founded in 1979, Full Sail has received numerous accolades throughout its 45-year history, including most recently being named a 2024 "Top Game Design School" by The Princeton Review, and recognized as the 2022-2023 "School of the Year" by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges.
