**The Huskie Gaming Club**, the esports club of Northern Illinois University (NIU), has officially opened registrations for new members of its competitive teams at the beginning of 2026. The selection process, which takes place every semester, aims to recruit students to represent the university in the **National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC)**, one of the premier collegiate leagues in the United States. Positions are available for six popular games: **League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike 2**. Unlike the official university team, the club is open to all undergraduate students, including those who study online or do not live on campus, with the primary goal of creating a welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced players.
Interested parties have until this Friday, January 30th, to register. Participation in the competitions requires a symbolic registration fee of $25 (approximately R$ 125 at the current exchange rate), but, according to the organizers, the club is willing to find alternatives for students who cannot afford the initial cost. Team practices vary by game, with most meeting at least once a week, preferably at the NIU Esports Arena, located in Altgeld Hall. This initiative is not just about competition, but also about developing interpersonal skills and building a lasting community among students.
## More Than Just Playing
According to Eli Curry, Interim Director of Esports at NIU, the club avoids “skill-based selection” at the student level. “Everyone who wants to participate deserves a chance,” stated Curry. He highlights that esports offer a valuable opportunity to learn from failure in a safe environment. “Students learn what it’s like to not have immediate success and understand that there is a way to overcome it, get back up, and try again,” he explained. This philosophy is reflected in the club’s management, which seeks to be inclusive and accessible.
Colleen Larsen, senior president of the Huskie Gaming Club, reinforces the community aspect of the initiative. “I encourage my players to play from the arena when possible. It helps build team spirit. It’s a fun experience to play with all your friends in person,” said Larsen. She herself is an example of the bonds created: she made lifelong friends in the club and now shares an apartment with one of them. For the organizers, the value of the experience goes far beyond the matches, preparing students for future challenges with teamwork, communication, and resilience.
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