Bearcat Esports

LEVEL UP YOUR EXPERIENCE AT McKENDREE

Join McKendree University's Inaugural Esports Program – Fall 2026

Bearcat Esports is McKendree University's premiere program for esports on campus. With two Varsity titles out of the gate, Bearcat Esports aims to provide a competitive and engaging experience for students representing McKendree University in a new frontier. 

Located in the beautiful historic town of Lebanon, IL, you'll experience the classic college experience alongside the history and stories of the surround town. And just 25 minutes from St. Louis, you'll find it hard to run out of things to do.

 

Why Start Here?

Our players will receive coaching, scholarships, and a dedicated space and computer on campus to practice and compete. Teams are decided through skill-based tryouts that will occur over the summer and between Fall/Spring.

During our inaugural season, players have a chance not to just compete for Mckendree, but to be a defining influence on the program going forward. You'll establish our program's place in tournaments, set the standards, and build a legacy future players will live up to.

Our current Varsity titles include:

• • Marvel Rivals
  • Overwatch

Players who do not make a Varsity team after tryouts still have the opportunity to compete for McKendree through our club level program. Bearcat Gaming is a student-led organization who's purpose is to provide a space on campus for all games, from Overwatch to DnD. We try to mirror our Varsity titles in our club program, so that there is an opportunity for all skill levels to compete.

 

What You Can Expect

• • Competitive gameplay against other top collegiate programs
  • Deicated coaching and equipment
  • Balanced gaming achievement with quality education
  • Scholarship opportunities for new students

 

Be a Founder. Be a Champion. Be a Bearcat.

 

Interested in joining the casual gaming community on campus? Bearcat Gaming and Esports use Discord to communicate. Current students, to join the Gaming club discord server please fill out this form, and an invite link will be sent after submission: Bearcat Gaming Interest Form

 

Don't spend your money on a device to play, in late Spring of 26 we are opening our on campus esports facility. Connected to two of the student residence halls, our facility will include 12 state-of-the-art PC's with supplied peripherals. We have a selection of games, but more games can always be added by request!

 

Questions? Click on "Inquire Now" below or send an email to esports@mckendree.edu. 

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