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American University Offering Scholarships For Top ‘Fortnite’ Players

American University Offering Scholarships For Top ‘Fortnite’ Players

The game is taking the world by storm and now you can finally put your talents to good use

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

If you're a top athlete at your school then chances are you have a shot at applying for sports scholarships at various universities. Whether it be football, rowing, rugby, running, cricket or whatever - talented sportspeople could knock off a decent chunk from their tuition costs if they manage to nab a grant.

But what about gamers?

via GIPHY

While it might not be thought of in the same light as, say, running 100 metres in a certain time or racking up the goals for a football team, they still have skills.

Well, one American institution is finally offering gamers a chance to be rewarded for their talents.

Ohio's Ashland University wants to attract the top Fortnite Battle Royale players, so it can build the best e-sports team in the country. Team head coach Josh Buchanan told Variety: "Fortnite appeals to both the core and casual gaming audience.

"We're excited to provide this platform for gamers who want to showcase their skills in a more competitive space. Fortnite facilitates an environment that allows players to get creative, innovate and show off their mastery of their skills."

Imagine that: your ability to slaughter a bunch of players could give you a leg up in higher education.

Take that, Mum and Dad! You said video games would never amount to anything relevant in the real world! NOW WHO'S LAUGHING?

The grants are worth up to $4,000 (£2,800) and will be based on your skill level and academic level.

But if you think these people on the e-sports team will have the physiques of Cartman, Kyle, Stan and Kenny when the South Park team parody World of Warcraft - you're wrong. They will have to have and maintain a certain fitness standard - however that won't be a requirement when scholarships are being decided.

Ashland wants to put together four-player teams who will have to practice and compete regularly until they're ready for proper Fortnite competitions. The university already offers scholarships for people who play League of Legends, Overwatch, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rocket League.

via GIPHY

The institution will soon have a dedicated gaming centre for the esports team, which will have 25 gaming stations aka #heaven.

Buchanan added to Variety that unlike other games, Fortnite offers 'creativity'.

"There's a lot of teamwork in [the game's core building mechanic] that's really untapped," he told the news site. "A lot of players kind of do fancy stuff, and it looks cool, but it might not be the most efficient. I think it's a game that, due to how creative you can be, there's a lot of potential to get really, really skilled in the game."

You can apply here.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: GAMING, Awesome, Ohio, University, US Entertainment