Red Bull, the popular energy drink company, has recently launched a gaming hub at Waterford’s South East Technological University (SETU) in Ireland. This hub is the first of its kind at an Irish third-level institute and aims to support and empower third-level gamers across the country. SETU has recently made headlines for being the first university in Ireland to offer a student esports scholarship, and the launch of the Red Bull gaming hub further solidifies its commitment to the growing gaming scene in Ireland.
The establishment of this gaming hub marks Red Bull’s most significant esports venture in Ireland to date, as the brand seeks to expand its presence and support the country’s flourishing gaming community. In addition to providing assistance to students, the hub will also serve as a venue for national tournaments, interactive workshops, and live-stream events. Gamers will also have the opportunity to qualify for global esports tournaments organized by Red Bull.
Although the gaming hub was just launched this week, Red Bull has wasted no time in announcing its plans for the future. In November, the hub will host the Irish National Final of the global Valorant tournament, a popular first-person hero shooter video game that attracts around 14 million players every month. This event is expected to draw significant attention and participation from gamers across the country.
The Red Bull Gaming Hub at SETU will not only cater to students of all skill levels but will also connect them with leading partners in the global gaming industry. This initiative is part of the Red Bull Campus Clutch, a global esports tournament that spans over 200 national and regional competitions. The best players from these tournaments will advance to the World Finals, which will be held in Istanbul this year, with a cash prize of €20,000 up for grabs.
Katie Redmond, the Sports Manager at SETU Waterford Campus, expressed her excitement about the opening of the new Esports Gaming Hub, stating, “We are delighted to further set the standard in the Irish third-level sector by opening our new Esports Gaming Hub. Our goal with this is to create a sports community where all students, current and future, who participate in Esports can receive the same support and facilities as all our sports teams.”
The Red Bull gaming hub is equipped with a casual gaming area that includes Xbox consoles, an immersive sound system, and comfortable gaming bean bags. Additionally, the facility features a chill-out area where students can connect to a high-speed network and work on their own gaming projects. This well-equipped hub will undoubtedly provide a conducive environment for students to enhance their gaming skills and foster a sense of community among esports enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the launch of the Red Bull Gaming Hub at SETU represents a significant step forward in the development of the esports industry in Ireland. This initiative not only supports students in their gaming endeavors but also provides them with opportunities to compete on a national and global level. With the backing of Red Bull and the state-of-the-art facilities at the gaming hub, SETU is poised to become a hub of esports excellence in Ireland.
