EPCC launches varsity esports with video game 'Hive'

July 21, 2026 - 22:51

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso Community College officially entered the world of competitive gaming on Tuesday. The school held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Tejano Esports Hive, a dedicated video gaming center located in the student union at the Valle Verde campus.

The new facility will serve as the home base for the college's newest varsity sport. Starting this fall, EPCC will field an official team where student athletes compete in organized video game tournaments. The program kicks off with the popular title "Hive," marking a shift for the school into the rapidly growing field of collegiate esports.

The Hive space is designed to give players a central location for practice and competition. School officials see the program as a way to engage students who might not participate in traditional athletics. It also opens up scholarship opportunities and builds community around digital competition.

With the launch, EPCC joins a growing number of colleges across the country treating esports as a legitimate varsity sport. The program is expected to recruit players, host matches, and develop a competitive schedule in the coming semesters.