HBCU grads are now a force in the competitive gaming scene. They are starting leagues, guiding gamers, and advocating for inclusion in esports. These gaming events are now as liked as popular as traditional sports.
Esports is now a $2 billion business and is growing, thanks to more collaborations. New college grads are getting involved in this growing area. They’re building communities and making changes from online matches to emerging markets, like in Arizona.
Trailblazers Shaping the Scene
In 2019, Ryan Johnson and Chris Peay, who both graduated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, founded Cxmmunity Media. Johnson is an Oakwood University alum, while Peay went to North Carolina Central University. They noticed a gap in esports at Black colleges. So, they launched the HBCU Esports League, which was among the first groups to back esports at these schools.
What began as a simple idea has really taken off. It’s grown into something much bigger, reaching millions of people and catching the attention of major players like Live Nation Urban. Back in September 2025, Live Nation Urban decided to invest in Cxmmunity Media. Their goal is to help expand events and open up more opportunities for Black creators to shine.
The league has given out over $500,000 in scholarships and prizes and has helped talent grow in games like Madden and Call of Duty. Celebrities such as Chad Ochocinco Johnson have helped spread the word with tournaments. Aside from competition, Johnson and Peay mention that Black people are not well represented in the gaming business. They plan to secure inclusion for the future. With new investments, they are expanding live events that mix esports with cultural stories.
Investing in Campus Powerhouses
Historically Black colleges and universities are investing in esports programs. These schools are converting student residences into high-tech training spaces, which is attracting a different kind of student.
Tapping into Regional Expansion
These new career paths show how gaming and online entertainment are changing. Esports is now connecting with other platforms, which means there are more job options than ever before. Look at Phoenix, Arizona – it’s a city that’s growing fast. The gaming scene there isn’t just about competitions anymore. This includes accessible online gaming like casinos available in Arizona. Offshore platforms offer games such as slots, blackjack, and live dealers, certified for fairness. HBCU grads with esports skills can transition into associated fields. They can use their strategy, community-building, and tech knowledge to get esports-related online jobs. This opens opportunities for graduates to use their skills in innovative ways and increase their earnings.
Pioneering Programs at Key Schools
Johnson C. Smith University was the first HBCU to team up with big names like Riot Games, EA Sports, and Epic Games, even practicing against NBA 2K pros. Now, more than 35 programs are available at HBCUs, changing how these schools think about tech and STEM classes.
For example, Benedict College gives full esports degrees with new labs, and Morehouse’s gaming club has grown to hundreds of members.
Forging Industry Partnerships
Partnerships with brands like Mountain Dew and The Penny Games further boost visibility, hosting invitationals that tackle culture and innovation. Events like Dream Con’s esports tie-ins show how these programs are retaining students and spiking enrollment by up to 15 percent in some cases.
Rising Stars on the Pro Circuit
HBCU graduates are doing incredible work after they finish college. You can see teams from schools like Florida A&M and Bowie State competing in leagues like The Yard. This creates a fantastic chance for them to connect with scouts and fans all over the country. And it’s not just traditional sports – players from Johnson C. Smith have been making waves in Tekken tournaments. They’re hoping to land contracts with major leagues soon.
Coaches say many graduates are turning pro in games like League of Legends and Valorant. They think the HBCU clubs are a big part of the reason why they’re doing so well. Tournaments like the Magic City Classic mix competition with esports, which helps players get noticed.
Standout HBCU Esports Achievements:
- Since 2020, more than 50 teams have formed, aided by organizations such as Cxmmunity.
- Corporations such as Microsoft, Twitch, and Live Nation are now offering scholarships and training.
- HBCU teams are winning national titles in games, often leading their conferences.
- These programs are helping schools grow through the use of STEM.
Broadening the Gaming Frontier
The esports market’s expansion has increased student interest in digital content and game creation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The HBCU IN LA Games are important learning spaces where students can get coding and game development expertise.
The gaming world is changing as games incorporate elements from music, streaming, and more. These programs assist students from underrepresented groups in building their tech skills, despite past limited access to tech education.
A Lasting Legacy in Play
HBCU grads are breaking ground in esports and gaming, opening doors for future Black innovators. Cxmmunity Media and similar groups are turning gaming into a source of jobs, culture, and STEM learning. Esports skills also translate to other fields, like online entertainment in places like Arizona, creating career paths in content and tech. HBCU esports programs prove gaming is more than a hobby; it’s a way to empower people and achieve goals. With the help of vision and community, these programs are turning digital dreams into reality.