Academy of Art University Hosts E-Sports Tournament

SAN FRANCISCO – U.S. Navy Sailors, Marines and Coast Guards from various commands participated in an E-Sports tournament, hosted by the Academy of Arts University, to showcase their skills near the Fisherman’s Wharf district during San Francisco Fleet Week, Oct 3.

The game played during the tournament was Super Smash Bros Ultimate which consisted of several two-person teams with each team battling against the other branch of service and the top teams at the end of the night will have a chance to compete against one another to see which team/branch is the best.

“It’s a fun event, we also invite civilians such as students from the university to join the teams and pair up with military members,” Michael Witzel said, director of E-Sports for the Academy of Arts University. “We love supporting not only veterans but also active-duty members who come here. It’s always great to interact with the military members and to give a fun thing for them to enjoy while they’re in San Francisco.”

E-sports have been rising throughout the Naval community. The U.S. Navy turned to E-Sports in 2020 as they were setting up their first team that year. The team “Goats and Glory" play various video games, including League of Legends, Valorant, Halo, Call of Duty and several other games. Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) also hosted several E-Sports tournaments throughout the years.

U.S. Navy Operation Specialist 3rd Class Nathanial Brown, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), participated in the tournament as he was put against the U.S. Marines and Coast Guard.

“E-Sports contributes to the welfare of the Sailors, " Brown said. "MWR puts on an event in the mess decks inside the ship and we all come out to play games. It gives everyone a time to break away from their routine of work and have fun. Some people start commentating on the games in the background and we all have a good time.”

San Francisco Fleet Week is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America’s sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.