South Devon College students have launched an event worth shouting about, by planning and hosting the biggest live Esports tournament ever seen in the South West – the Radiant Rumble Gaming Tournament!
The Level 3 second year Esports students came up with the idea of a live Esports tournament to be held in the South West after being inspired by other events held across the UK – they spotted a gap in the market for an event held in Devon, and took it upon themselves to bring the idea to fruition as part of their final course project.
After months of planning, preparation, production and, of course, gaming practice, the competition was launched at the Real Immersive Dome in Plymouth, sponsored by Dell, South Devon College Young Entrepreneurs’ Programme and Pluto’s Pet Care. The event, held over two days, saw five South West Esports college teams come together for a valiant battle on Valorant (Riot Games), competing live in front of a studio audience. There was also a live stream Twitch broadcast, so the audience was far reaching, with at least 100 people viewing at any one time.
The five collegiate teams were TCS Esports from Teignmouth, Weston Wave Riders from Weston-Super-Mare, Bristol Robins, eXe Esports from Exeter College and our own College team the South Devon Seagulls – all competing to win the title of South Devon College Radiant Rumble Champion!
The second day saw a semi-final between the South Devon Seagulls and eXe Esports, after TCS and Weston Wave Riders went home after being knocked out on the initial day of play. The final eventually came down to Bristol Robins vs eXe Esports, with the Exeter College team emerging victorious and lifting the Radiant Rumble trophy. The South Devon Seagulls finished in a credible third place.
The trophy itself was a cross-College collaboration – designed by the Games Design team, 3D printed by the Engineering team, sprayed and coated by the Automotive team and placed on a wooden base created and finished by the Construction Team!
The 360 degree 4k projection dome proved a unique and exciting venue, with the game being projected around the dome, giving a thoroughly immersive experience.
The live Esports tournament underway in the Real Immersive Dome in Plymouth
The five-strong South Devon College team are the Valorant Esports College team, so are experts in the formatting and layouts of the game, with each player taking on a different role within the game.
The South Devon College Seagulls team (from left) Ruby-Ella Mahoney, Zach Bisset, Logan Hunt, Cody Kinnair-Jackson, Megan Langworthy, Harry Glover, and Evie Nielson (Coach)
There were also three shout-casters for the College team, including two former Esports students and Seagulls team members, who commentated live, bringing their expertise and personality to the action.
Joel Retter (former Esports student, left) and Games Production Student Harvey Wright
Evie Nielson, a volunteer Esports coach at South Devon College, said: “I am the team’s coach and motivator, so work out the strategy and tactics of the game.
“It’s a very different experience, playing in a tournament in front of a live audience with casting – you have to keep your composure. It’s been challenging but exciting!”
Ross Byleveld (guest professional shoutcaster [AKA Shakey])
Oscar, a student at South Devon College studying Level 3 Interactive Media and Game Design, was the event host. He said: “It’s been a collaborative event, incorporating other members of the Hi-Tech Centre in the College, including sound, tech, and game design. We couldn’t have done it without all the help from everyone.”
“I was chosen as host as I have quite extensive theatre experience, so I am comfortable on stage, and I am also a Valorant player, so I’m very familiar with the terminology of the game.
“It’s a massive event that hasn’t happened before – it was an exciting experience and I’m happy to be part of it.”
The event highlighted the growing Esports industry and the technological careers it can inspire, including game design, journalism and production.
Evie continued: “The event started as a little idea that grew into the successful tournament you see here. The students came up with all the designs, graphics and running order – it was all student-led.
“When we’ve visited Esports events in London we noticed we don’t have events like that in the South West, so it was a market we could grab on to and say ‘we’re going to do something – we’re going to be the ones!’ to show how the South West can contribute to the Esports scene! It’s the largest South West Esports event and we’re very proud!
The tournament was viewed as such a success it’s hoping it will become an annual event which will grow bigger and better every year. Watch this space and we hope to see you next year!
If you’re interested in studying Esports and joining events like this in the future, please find all the information here: Esports Archives – South Devon College
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