WaterLAN Esport Tournament showcases inclusivity and growth in Waterloo Region: organizers

The Waterloo Region is stepping into the e-sports spotlight this weekend with the WaterLAN E-sports Tournament, a provincial collegiate invitational hosted by the University of Waterloo and Conestoga College.

"It's a special event where all the teams come across and we get to play in real life next to each other," said esports athlete, Eric Jun. "So it's very nice; it's a new experience for sure."

With over 120 athletes competing across two popular games, the event is a testament to the explosive growth of esports in the area—and it’s making inclusivity a priority.

An esports team competing in a League of Legends tournament at the University of Waterloo, Jan. 12, 2025. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News)"So, a lot of people see esports, and I think video games, as a personal skill. But if you look at the pros...they're play requires manual time, precision and in many ways it's kind of like a sport," said coordinator Anna Tian.

The tournament features intense competition across three divisions, including an initiative providing opportunities for women and marginalized genders in esports.

"So, Conestoga is hosting Valorant Open Bracket which is open to anybody, Valorant Game Changers Bracket which is open to marginalized genders and we're hosting League of Legends for anybody," explained Tian.

For female esports athletes like Emily Purdy, it’s a crucial step toward leveling the playing field in an industry that’s often been male-dominated.

"I've been playing for 12 to 13 years. By being a girl representing other women in esports, hopefully I can inspire other girls to play the game and maybe follow in my footsteps," said Purdy.

Organizers say the event also highlights the rapid growth of esports in the region, where universities and colleges are becoming hubs for gaming talent.

Esports trophies lined up as the tournament comes to an end, Jan. 12, 2025. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News)"I think the stat is around over 80 per cent of incoming first years play video games. I think we really wanted to serve this new demographic and make sure that everybody has a way to play what they want to play," said Tian.

For the athletes, it’s more than just a competition—it’s a chance to connect, showcase their skills, and put Waterloo on the map in the esports world.

"It's just fun. It's a good way to de-stress," said Jun.

"It's like a completely different experience," added Purdy. "You actually see your opponents; I get to talk to them after a game...I chat with them a little bit."

From fierce competition to fostering community, Tian says the event is proof that esports is here to stay—and that Waterloo is becoming a key player in its rise.

"We had to do this and we wanted to be the first in Canada and hopefully inspire other organizers to continue this trend to serve these underserved players."