NorQuest Esports, the first institutionally backed collegiate Esport program in Edmonton, has been officially designated among Esports Canada's list of post-secondary varsity schools.
Esports Canada is a federally recognized not-for-profit organization that supports the Canadian Esports Ecosystem by providing community, competition, advocacy, and resources for all Canadian gamers. Recognition from the federal governing body permits NorQuest Esports to compete in intercollegiate varsity competition and gives the program a greater voice in developing the Canadian intercollegiate Esports ecosystem.
"NorQuest has always been home to innovative approaches to learning and student experience," says Carlo Martin, Business Development Officer and lead for NorQuest's Esports program. "We are the first Edmonton post-secondary to create a formal Esports program within the college. The designation from Esports Canada positions NorQuest Esports in a truly unique and leading position among Edmonton's post-secondary institutions."
The timing of the varsity announcement coincides with the recently released Alberta Esports strategy
Founded in 2020, NorQuest Esports has grown into a leader in collegiate Esports both locally and nationally and currently fields a FIFA varsity team, with 5 additional teams in 2023 competing in League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, Apex Legends, and DOTA 2. NorQuest Esports also works to grow the Esports ecosystem locally by consulting with organizations like the Edmonton Public School Board with their Esports initiative. Today NorQuest Esports is in full force at NorQuest College and the surrounding community, and proud host to in-person cash prized tournaments for local Esports competitors.
