News

This month, Full Sail University is excited to introduce a new approach to its esports community – Armada Varsity and Armada Squadron. These are the two new official divisions for the university’s esports teams.

This new format is designed to give students opportunities to compete at various levels. Students can now participate in games either in person at Armada HQ on campus or from anywhere through specific online gaming platforms.

“Our double-division system allows all students to compete throughout the entirety of the collegiate esports space, no matter how they're getting their education,” says Sari Kitelyn, Director of Esports and Project Development at Full Sail. “Having our two divisions really helps us maximize those opportunities for [all] students.”

Armada Varsity is a division of teams designed for Full Sail campus and local online students playing publisher-supported titles that require in-person participation. These teams compete in national leagues from Armada HQ and the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress on campus, as well as other tournament venues around the country. Armada Varsity teams include Call of Duty, Valorant, Super Smash Bros., Rocket League, Apex Legends, and more. Varsity players receive team jerseys, financial support for tournaments, a dedicated coach, and priority for match streaming and casting.

Armada Squadron is a separate division of teams for students competing in online leagues and titles that don’t necessarily have publisher restrictions. Both campus and online students are eligible to compete in the Squadron division. Players in this division receive team jerseys, staff support, financial support for tournament registration, and opportunities to suggest new titles through an application process.

In addition to these two divisions, students can also enjoy recreational club play from Armada HQ and online.

According to Sari, this new gaming structure reflects the ever-changing esports landscape in education.

“As the collegiate esports industry continues to evolve, there's a clear path for varsity competition, and it's creating a secondary pathway of opportunity for online and remote play as well,” she explains. “It's been really exciting to be at the forefront of helping to evolve our industry.”

NOTE: A list of active Varsity and Squadron game titles will be posted on fullsailarmada.gg.