By Wyatt Lehr OMAHA, Neb.- Across the Omaha metro, esports are becoming more than just a game. It’s becoming a gateway to digital careers in marketing, broadcasting and technology.
Colleges and high schools are investing in esports programs that teach students teamwork, communication and technical production skills. Those same skills apply to modern industries that rely on content creation and digital media.
At Bellevue University, students practice and compete in a new arena equipped with high-end computers and professional streaming stations. Former player and current assistant coach Nick McCormick said esports offers greater accessibility than other sports.
“You just need a computer,” McCormick said. “You don’t need a football field, you don’t need a track, you don’t need baseball or anything. Just a computer.”
Head coach David Castillo-Ferrin said the program’s mission goes beyond competition. Bellevue is partnering with local middle and high schools to show how esports can open doors to technology and media-related professions.
“We’re trying to really highlight to parents and students that there’s more than just competing in esports,” Castillo-Ferrin said. “Nobody notices the team in the production studio changing screens, updating scores and doing all that work behind the scenes.”
Through these partnerships, students are gaining hands-on experience in broadcasting, event management and marketing. Skills that translate directly into Omaha’s growing tech industry.
Castillo-Ferrin said the university plans to continue expanding its community outreach and tournaments in the coming year, helping more students see that esports are not only about playing games but about building future careers.
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