- November, 4, 2025
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Competitive gaming is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Esports has transformed from a simple hobby into a global phenomenon, and at Curry College, it gives students a new way to compete and feel a sense of belonging.
For Marvin Ssebagala ’26, a Resident Assistant, member of the Public Health Club, Equestrian Club, and a full-time student double-majoring in Public Health and Psychology, Esports became more than competition. It became home.
Inclusive by Design
Curry Esports isn’t about tryouts or rankings. It’s about passion, potential, and mostly, having fun. “You don’t need to have experience in competitive gaming to be a part of the Esports team. That’s what makes it so special,” Marvin said. “We’ll teach you and we’ll help you. If you want to feel like you belong somewhere, Esports is where it’s at.”
What makes the program special has nothing to do with the games, and everything to do with the people.
“I consider my teammates my best friends,” Marvin said. “We’re together in class, in the Student Center, and in the Esports lounge. Even off campus, we go to games, intramurals, and dinners together. It’s more than a team. It’s family.”
Game Day Ready
The team currently competes in Valorant, Rocket League, and Marvel Rivals, with plans to expand. Curry is a member of the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC), where over 400 colleges and universities come together to competitively compete in Esports.
“I used to only see schools like Alabama on TV for football. Now we play them, and sometimes we beat them. It makes me proud to wear Curry on my jersey,” said Marvin with a smile.
Marvin is proud to show how serious and structured the program truly is. Curry Esports mirrors any other varsity sport on campus, with team uniforms, dedicated practices, official matches, pre-game preparations, and more.
Marvin Ssebagala ’26We’re here 30 minutes early, talking strategy, locking in our roles, and focusing as a team. It’s no different than any other sport. Communication is everything, and we’re getting better and better every day.
On the Rise
And the results show. Curry’s Valorant team, where Marvin competes, recently delivered a standout performance, sweeping New England College in back-to-back matches.
In just one year, Curry Esports has grown from five players to multiple rosters with dozens involved. Titles like Marvel Rivals are drawing even more interest, and Marvin believes next year could bring multiple Curry teams competing across leagues.
That growth has impressed the campus community, especially those who helped launch the program.
“When we opened the Esports Lounge, my hope was simply that students would use it as a welcoming space to connect and build community,” said Kevin Blackmur, Director of Student Center and Fitness & Recreation. “I knew the competitive side would take time, but the growth has far exceeded my expectations. Not only have we launched teams, but we’ve also seen real success, with our Valorant team making the playoffs in year one. I have immense respect and gratitude for the students who made this possible. Many started as volunteers on day one, and now they’re gaining hands-on experience managing teams and navigating the NECC’s policies and procedures. It’s been incredible to watch, and I look forward to seeing this grow as much as the students want.”
Their next big goal? A deep playoff run.
“Last year we made it and lost in the first round,” Marvin said. “This year, I know we can go all the way.”
With each new season, Curry Esports continues to build momentum with stronger players and bigger goals. For Marvin, the hope is to see more students pick up a controller and find what he found in Esports—a place to grow, have fun, and call home.
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