On the eve of the incident Magic City ClassicFour students from Alabama A&M University went head-to-head in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Esports Tournament in an event that highlighted the opportunities available for HBCU students in the sports and technology industries. RCX Sports Foundation And Alabama Collective.

The 83rd edition of the Magic City Classic week will feature a matchup between the Alabama A&M Bulldogs and Alabama State Hornets on Saturday, October 26 at Legion Field. The event brings together HBCU students and alumni from across the country for a week of fun festivities, camaraderie and camaraderie. The annual matchup is the largest HBCU Classic in the country.

Jaeveon Jordan, an Alabama A&M University senior and winner of the Esports tournament, said the Classic is special to him because it unites HBCUs for a magical weekend where students of color can show off what they are made of.

“Being in the tournament means a lot, especially being in the Magic City Classic. “It’s all about unity, really,” Jordan said. “ESports is going to be a big thing for the next generation. I’m living proof that you can play video games and get something out of it.” .”

Jordan took home $1,250 for his first-place win. Over the years, Jordan has won numerous E-Sports tournaments, including the Southwestern Athletic Conference and Madden NFL 24 national championships.

Alabama A&M University senior Jamaari Ramirez, who finished second in the Esports tournament, took home a $750 check. Ramirez said he would use his earnings on shopping and home decoration.

Two other players, A&M senior Amere Cornelius and A&M freshman Gregory Whaley, agreed that it was a “blessing” and a “great opportunity” to participate in the tournament during the Classic’s weekend.

“It was a fun experience. And it was an honor to be here,” Cornelius said.

‘Opportunities through sports’

The RCX Sports Foundation and the Alabama Collective have come together for this tournament to increase diversity and inclusion in sports and technology by providing new career opportunities to underrepresented students.

Izell Reese, an Alabama native and president of the RCX Sports Foundation, is a former UAB football player and former NFL player who is an advocate for expanding the accessibility and inclusivity of youth sports.

RCX Sports Foundation built the first NFL flag turf field in the world in Dothan.

“The Classic is an important event that brings a lot of people together,” Reese said. “We’re looking at all opportunities for young people, especially kids in under-resourced communities, kids of color and young women, and making sure they have opportunities through sports.”

Charisse Stokes, Executive Director Alabama CollectiveHe said hosting events like the E-Sports tournament during the Magic City Classic helps show HBCU students what opportunities are available for them in Alabama.

“When you look at esports and gaming, the technology space around them is huge. This is the first time we’ve had an opportunity like this during the Classic, and I think it’s a great time for them to also learn about the number of employers we have in the state of Alabama,” Stokes said.

“We are starting to see that all HBCU students want to be in classical. This is a mature audience of people doing great work in industry, doing great work in government and also in academia. “It sheds light on this issue.”

Other A&M students said being at the E-Sports tournament the same weekend as the Classic was an exciting new opportunity.

“This is my first time watching an Esports football match and it’s really nice because it will be my first time watching a live football match at the Magic City Classic,” said Alabama A&M student Adekunie Adeyori.

“It gives students a chance to see that there are other industries that are equally rewarding and have equal opportunities for them. “It also shows HBCU students that this is another field where they can come and excel,” said Oluwaseun Omotayo, an Alabama A&M University student.

Omotayo and a team of other Alabama A&M students scored another victory earlier that day, placing first in the HBCU Business Pitch Competition, earning the university $10,000.