Following the success of last year’s event, GCI is thrilled to announce the return of the Northern Lights Invitational. The NLI is Alaska’s biggest esports event, and it is exclusive to Alaska residents. This year, GCI is offering an increased prize pool of $25,000 and introducing a newly released game: Counter-Strike 2!
CS2 features teams of five working together to achieve a strategic objective. This first-person shooter boasts a long legacy in gaming and an all-new experience. The NLI tournament will take place virtually over two weekends on April 6, 7, and 13. For this event, players can sign up with any group size up to five. Players may sign up by themselves, in small groups, or with a full team. If players don’t have a full team, they’ll be matched up with like-skilled players to form teams of five.
Sign-ups are live now until March 29. And with over 150 gamers pre-registered, competition is sure to be fierce. The finals will be streamed live on Twitch with professional casters calling the game. Plus, participants will each be given the opportunity to choose their charity – USO or the UAF Alaska Esports Center – and GCI will donate $10 on their behalf, up to $5,000.
Check out the interview with the winner of last year’s inaugural Northern Lights Invitational, here.
Why esports matter
Esports have exploded in popularity worldwide, drawing in gamers and spectators from every corner of the globe, regardless of age, culture, or background. Just like in traditional sports, esports foster essential sportsmanship qualities like leadership, communication, and teamwork. Esports are also inclusive, bringing together players from diverse backgrounds and locations and allowing them to bond over their shared passion. Unlike traditional sports, where physical ability often dictates success, excelling in esports hinges on mental agility, strategic thinking, teamwork, and clear communication within the digital realm.
See how GCI supports esports statewide, here.
Building internet networks for rural Alaska schools
Gaming is not only taking over our screens but also our classrooms. High schools and colleges are diving into esports to spark interest in STEM subjects among students. The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) leads the charge, uniting over 170 schools nationwide, like the University of Alaska Fairbanks, with 5,000+ student-athletes and a whopping $16 million in esports scholarships. And in Alaska’s high schools, esports are a recognized competitive sport by the Alaska School Activities Association. From high school to college, esports offer a platform for student-athletes to shine – just like in traditional sports – while honing their critical thinking and teamwork skills. With the support of institutions like NACE and local associations, gaming isn’t just a pastime—it’s a pathway to success, and GCI is here to support it with the network infrastructure students need to take their skills to the next level.
GCI’s high-speed internet fuels the competition
At the forefront of Alaska’s connectivity, GCI is gamers’ go-to for an unparalleled gaming experience. Its state-of-the-art Fiber+ network is tailored to provide Alaska’s gamers with top-notch performance. With 2.5 Gbps internet speeds available to 80% of Alaskans—including residents of Unalaska, and communities throughout the Aleutian Chain—GCI ensures that students across the state have the bandwidth they need to excel in their gaming endeavors.
Recognized as the top gaming ISP by PCMag, GCI is dedicated to providing the best possible gaming experience for its users. Teaming up with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, GCI proudly sponsored the inaugural Alaska Esports Center. Moreover, in October 2023, GCI elevated the network connectivity at the center to an impressive 5 Gbps, marking a significant milestone in its 10-year partnership with UAF. These improvements will ensure students have the cutting-edge technology they need to thrive in the esports arena for years to come.
Registration is open now until March 29. So, don’t forget to tell the gamers in your life about this amazing opportunity to showcase their skills and earn some cash doing what they love!