You Can Now Receive a College Scholarship for Playing Video Games

An Illinois university is now offering a scholarship for the top eSports players.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Robert Morris University-Illinois announced a game-changing decision for both collegiate athletics and eSports players today: the century-old institution will be offering scholarships for the best League of Legends players on campus, as well as adding "online sport" to their athletic program.

In a press release from the university, associate athletic director Kurt Melcher stated, "Robert Morris University has always been at the forefront of providing opportunities for a diverse student population with different interests and skills. League of Legends is a competitive, challenging game which requires significant amount of teamwork to be successful." 

Continuing on, the release also explained that the school will be joining the competitive Collegiate Star League in the fall of 2014, pitting them against 103 other schools in League of Legends competition. If they qualify, the athletes on the RMU team have the opportunity to earn scholarships that will pay for 50 percent of their tuition, room, and board. 

If the NCAA and big-time collegiate athletics have taught us anything, it's the fact that this is the beginning of the end for all that is pure and sacred in eSports and gaming. Hooray!

[via Kotaku]

RELATED: The Debut of eSports in the X Games Begins Today (Video)

RELATED: 2013 eSports: A Year In Review

RELATED: Know Your Roots: eSports Celebrates Its 30 Year Anniversary

Latest in Pop Culture