Local youths to showcase skills, explore collegiate esports at Transylvania 2XKO tournament

Transylvania University invites gamers of all skill levels to battle it out next month in a 2XKO tournament - while learning about the Pioneer esports team.

The school is partnering with the University of Kentucky for the event in the UK Esports Lounge on Dec. 6 beginning at noon. High school students interested in competitive play and collegiate opportunities are especially encouraged to turn out. Register here.

Gamers will meet Transylvania esports coach Dylan Osborne and team members, who will be on hand to help run the tournament, answer questions and share insights into what it's like to compete at the college level. It's free to participate, and food and beverages will be provided. "I really can't see a reason not to come out," Osborne said.

The winner will receive a Haute42 C16 controller, which is popular for fighting-style games like 2XKO. "I know very well what it's like to be a high school student and wanting good equipment and having dreams of going collegiate," he added.

Developed by Riot Games, 2XKO has an innovative format. Players can compete solo or as a team of two, with seamless switching between characters. This approach addresses common challenges in tournaments, where formats often favor one style over another, putting some participants at a disadvantage.

Osborne also pointed out how 2XKO features familiar characters from the League of Legends universe and the TV show "Arcane."

Transylvania has a track record of engaging young gamers through events like this past spring's Super Smash Bros. tournament - along with camps introducing the basics of competitive gaming, livestreaming, commentating and more.

Esports at Transylvania fosters values of teamwork and other skills gamers can draw from later on, and it provides a fun way to get engaged in campus life. In fact, an interest in gaming can significantly influence the decision on where to attend college, Osborne said.

Learn more at the upcoming 2XKO tournament, which has a Dec. 5 registration deadline (although walk-ins may be accommodated if space allows).

"You can possibly win a cool controller and have another accolade for your portfolio if you are looking to play collegiate esports," Osborne said.