Winthrop University made esports history this year as the first collegiate team to qualify for NA Challengers—and they didn’t stop there. Against all odds, they went on to finish fourth at Ascension 2025, competing neck and neck with professional Tier 2 organizations.
For Josh “Bo” Sides, the Director of Esports at Winthrop, the success wasn’t accidental. It’s the result of years of structure, belief, and an institutional culture that treats esports with the same seriousness as traditional athletics.
“We were part of that early foundation of collegiate,” Bo recalls. “Now we’re leading the way in the continued growth of the space.”
The Winthrop project started like many great esports stories — out of curiosity and opportunity. Bo explains that it began when then-President Dan Mahoney and Athletic Director Ken Halpin were teaching a sports business class that touched on esports.
“They started thinking, maybe we should start an esports program here in athletics,” says Bo. “I was at a different university at the time, but when I saw they were hiring, I knew I wanted to come home and build something big.”
By 2019, Winthrop Esports was officially born. Within months, the program was top three in Overwatch and runner-up in League of Legends, even as COVID disrupted collegiate competition.
“We kind of came in and just started crushing it right off the bat. Six years later, we’re still building on that same foundation.”
Winthrop’s VALORANT story began when Overwatch players started switching games during the beta.
“Half of my Overwatch team became a VALORANT team overnight,” Bo laughs. “We didn’t even plan for it—we just adapted.”
The real breakthrough came in 2022, when collegiate VALORANT was formally recognized. That’s when Bo and team manager Dallas decided to push beyond campus boundaries.
“I told Dallas, I want these guys to compete together in everything,” says Bo. “Play every qualifier, even for Tier 2. Everyone said no college team could make Challengers. It was fun to prove them wrong.”
That vision became reality three years later, as Winthrop’s student-athletes broke barriers at Challengers and Ascension, facing full-time professionals and earning respect from the global VALORANT scene.
One of Winthrop’s defining features is how it bridges the gap between collegiate and professional play. The 2025 roster included Governor, a former Pacific VCT player, and Glyph, a seasoned in-game leader.
“Gov’s the best student on the team. He brought leadership and maturity we really needed. He’s been a steady hand for those guys.”
Even unexpected stories have fueled their success. One standout was Ali, who joined as a coach but transitioned back to player midseason.
“The team asked if we could try him out,” Bo remembers. “He didn’t even want to play again at first, but once he did, the results were so good we couldn’t go back.”
By the time Winthrop reached Brazil for Ascension, Ali’s passion was reignited. “He was grinding ranked every morning,” Bo said. “He even picked up enough Portuguese to translate for us by the end of the trip.”
Asked about their proudest moment, Bo doesn’t hesitate:
“Winning to make it into playoffs in Brazil. Nobody thought we’d make it that far.”
But 2025 wasn’t without heartbreak. Despite strong showings, Winthrop finished second to Maryville University in every major collegiate event.
“Yeah,” Bo laughs, “we were the Fnatic of collegiate this year—second in everything. It doesn’t feel good to get that close so many times, but it’s motivation. We want that CVAL trophy next.”
Bo attributes the program’s success to full institutional support. Winthrop treats esports like any other Division I sport—with resources to match.
“These guys have the same resources as our baseball or basketball teams,” Bo explains. “They get early class registration to balance academics and practice, and they train in a 6,500-square-foot facility with dedicated PCs and space.”
Even Winthrop’s athletic director, Chuck, is active online, regularly celebrating the team’s wins. “Other schools tell me how lucky we are to have this level of support,” Bo adds.
Behind the wins are students juggling rigorous academics. Bo proudly lists the team’s majors:
Governor – Biology
Moobs – Graduate degree in Civic Engagement
Glyph – Economics
Infiltrator – Accounting
Ali – Computer Science
“It’s cool that they have those opportunities,” Bo says. “If they don’t make Tier 1, they still have careers ahead of them. It’s a safety net—and a reminder that they’re student-athletes first.”
That balance isn’t easy. Bo recounts proctoring one of Governor’s exams during Ascension. “He was in Brazil taking a test between matches. That’s the definition of locked in.” Bo also spoke about how playing for a collegiate team can really build good habits and ensure that they learn to balance all their responsibilities, be it academics, gameplay practice, and building inter-team relationships.
Winthrop doesn’t just focus on its varsity teams; it has built an entire academy system beneath them.
“We’ve got two academy VALORANT teams now,” Bo says. “They use the same facilities, get mentorship from the varsity players, and even filled in for us during tournaments—and beat St. Clair.”
That competitive ladder fuels what Bo calls a “culture of excellence.”
“It’s a place where everyone is locked in on being the best version of themselves. It’s that culture that makes us successful.”
The team will face roster changes next year as some players graduate, but Bo remains confident.
“In collegiate, roster building never stops. Moobs graduates in spring, but we’re always building. It’s what makes us great.”
His goal for 2026? “Win the CVAL Championship—and help more players make it to Tier 1.”
For aspiring collegiate players, Bo’s message is simple:
“If this is something you’re passionate about, pursue it. College is one of the few places where you can compete, study, and build friendships that last a lifetime. Don’t sell yourself short on that experience.”
And if it doesn’t happen at Winthrop? That’s okay too. “There’s a college out there that’s the right fit for everyone. Find it, commit to it, and give it everything you’ve got.”
Winthrop Esports isn’t just a collegiate success story—it’s proof that with the right support, structure, and vision, student-athletes can play, learn, and win on the same stage as the pros. “It’s not for everyone,” Bo admits. “But for those who can balance it, it’s worth every second.”
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