Tampa’s first esports academy has opened in South Tampa, near Primrose Prep School and the University of Tampa. It’s called the Esports Players Club (EPC) and it’s a video gaming academy as well as a tournament venue. The facility offers coaching and assistance to students who want to increase their gaming skills. It also has classes on how to live stream and create content.
Tampa natives see a need for esports academy
According to the Tampa Bay Times, founders Alex and Josh Matzkin got the idea for the academy after noticing a lack of player development in the Tampa Bay area. Many colleges formally participate in esports, resulting in millions in scholarship money. So, people are taking esports as seriously as traditional sports, why not have a place dedicated to training esport players? The brothers believe EPC can teach esport players how to improve their gameplay and socialize with other esport players.
Alex Matzkin says the basis for the academy is teaching players how to succeed and learn professionalism. “Let’s teach kids how to improve their gameplay, as well as teach them valuable life skills outside of gaming,” Matzkin states, “Things they can actually use regardless of what industry they end up in.”
Beyond gaming
The Esports Players Club offers a variety of classes specializing in everything from fighting games to first-person shooter. Club members will have access to the latest gaming equipment and have the chance to be mentored by people who have worked in the esports industry. However, EPC plans to offer classes beyond improving gameplay. There will also be classes teaching people how to be better at live streaming and coming up with original ideas for content creation. They also plan to host esport tournaments, where competitors can win cash prizes.
The next tournament is on Saturday, February 12. It’s a Madden Tournament that costs $40 for a player entry fee. Members of the Esports Players Club do not have to pay a fee.
