On the 17th of November, the Waterloo Region Esports Commission (WREC) hosted its very first Waterloo Region Esports Showcase at Bingemans Conference Centre. A collaboration between WREC, United Gamers, Odyssey Interactive, and the three post-secondary institutions located in the Waterloo region, the event saw students, families, and community partners alike experiencing all that gaming and esports has to offer in Waterloo!
Participants were encouraged to mingle by trying out the various party games available throughout the venue such as Mario Kart and Just Dance. Those that preferred a more competitive experience could have a go at titles such as Omega Strikers, a new competitive sports-style MOBA from sponsor and game developer Odyssey Interactive, who are based in the Waterloo region. With its colorful cast of characters and quick, intense gameplay, Omega Strikers was certainly a favorite at the event. After playing several games, it felt great to dig into the refreshments provided by the amazing host, Bingemans.
Later in the night, those in attendance also enjoyed a series of competitive Rocket League showmatches that put the Conestoga, Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier student athletes to the test as they faced each other on stage. Broadcasters Bryan "Bauz0r" Au and Alex "Cyrostims" Cruickshank kept the energy high as the crowd gasped and cheered at the tense faceoffs, with the Waterloo Warriors ultimately coming out on top at the end of a close series against the Conestoga Condors.
The Waterloo Region Esports Showcase not only demonstrated the passion and support the Waterloo Region has for esports but also highlighted how esports is a pathway towards creating strong partnerships and bringing together the community. The energy that filled Bingemans sent a clear message- the City of Waterloo is ready for esports. This showcase will surely not be the last and is but another step forward to something greater. To share a sentiment from Jeremy Duek of the WREC, let's make Waterloo the esports capital of Canada!
Read more about the Federal Grant that Esports received earlier in the month
