For the past four years, UC San Diego has been supporting students who have shown their devotion to the gaming and esports communities on campus with our Esports Scholarship. This year, seven students will receive a $1,500 scholarship made possible by our stellar supporting cast of alumni, donors, the Chancellor, and our corporate partner, Turtle Beach. These students, representing both the competitive and social organizations centered around gaming, are being recognized for the tremendous impact they have had, and continue to have, on our gaming community.

"I heavily appreciate the ability to be a recipient of the Esports Scholarship because this space and the opportunities it has provided me throughout college have been a major factor in why I am still here today," says scholarship recipient Chris Kreins. "As a first-generation student without much support throughout college, the gaming spaces at UCSD offered me a support system, and the opportunities that such offerings like the Esports Scholarship have given me are the reason I am still able to afford and continue my pursuit of working within this space. I am forever grateful to the opportunities that have been given to me, and as I head towards my graduation, I know that I feel infinitely more prepared to find a career in a gaming adjacent industry because of the support that this scholarship has given me."

It cannot be overstated that these scholarships mean more to students than solely financial aid. While the scholarships can alleviate some financial burdens, they also serve as a recognition of the time and talent these students have donated to advance gaming and esports on campus, often holding leadership positions across multiple clubs and programs. It’s opportunities like these that will continue to legitimize esports and gaming for students, faculty, staff, parents, and community through connections to academic success, career development, and more.

"Among the bright lights and accolades our competitive teams reach for, it can be very easy to overlook the many supporting roles someone can play within esports and the gaming industry," says scholarship recipient Justin Lu. "To carve out an identity for media enthusiasts in the scene is what I hope to have accomplished in my time at UC San Diego, and as a photographer, I've gotten to highlight and commemorate the many passionate and bright peers who inspire me. From claiming our first in-person UC Esports Initiative trophy to highlighting the best of Triton Gaming's string of events and programming in a year, and providing portraits for members belonging to either organization, I'm thankful for having the opportunities and belief to lead and contribute. Throughout all this, it's clear that people have seen the impact that someone passionate about media and esports/gaming can have, and though not the only way, this scholarship is a wonderful affirmation that I'm on the right track."

"Receiving this Esports Scholarship means a lot to me," another recipient, Aidan Averett, says. "I applied, thinking there was only a small chance of being selected since I was a newer member at the time; however, I am happy and grateful to have received this scholarship. This scholarship helped me cover academic and housing expenses, allowing me to focus on transitioning to my life after graduation."

Here are the 2024-2025 recipients of the Esports Scholarship: