Gopher Esports – University of Minnesota’s Campus Movement for Competition, Community & Academics

Gopher Esports at the University of Minnesota is more than just a club it’s a campus-wide movement built on competition, community, academics, and recreation, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious competitor, this program offers a place to grow, connect, and thrive.

As a university program, it is open exclusively to current UMN students, faculty, and staff, with no general public or neighboring community access available.

The club fields competitive teams in games like Rocket League, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, participating in conferences like NACE, NECC, and the Big Esports Conference. In 2024, their Rocket League team made headlines by winning the Rockstar Collegiate Invitational Championship in an intense 12-hour final. Players enjoy pro-level support with Golden Gopher apparel, Nike team gear, media coverage, and access to practice spaces, positioning it as a launchpad for collegiate excellence.

Gopher Esports also runs standout events like GopherCon, campus BBQs, and LANs, building a tight-knit community that celebrates both competition and connection. Backed by university departments and aligned with broader campus goals, the club continues to push for more visibility, growth, and even a dedicated esports facility.

📍 100 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0213 (campus-wide student union venues)
🕒 Student hours (club events/practices; confirm via Discord)
🖥️ Club setups • LAN/multiplayer focus
🎮 Varsity scrims (Rocket League, Valorant, Smash Ultimate), GopherCon, LAN nights, BBQs
💲 Free for students (club/program access)
🔧 Student-exclusive & reliable, supportive staff, inclusive campus vibe
🎯 Great for collegiate-level competitors and LAN enthusiasts

📞 +1 (612) 624-1000 / +1 (612) 625-5000
📧 gopheresports@umn.edu
🌐 website