YORK COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA - Hundreds of gamers from around the Southeast are expected to participate in a new “Rock the Winds” esports event on March 25-26, 2023, at Carowinds. Created by Visit York County, Winthrop University, and Carowinds, the competition will feature the Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Rivals of Aether games. A sponsored prize pool of $4,000++ is at stake.
“As our visitor evolves, we must continue to explore new markets like esports to drive tourism,” said Andy Clinton, President and CEO of Visit York County. “Rock the Winds presents an incredible opportunity to partner with Winthrop University and Carowinds while expanding our footprint into the multi-billion-dollar business of esports.”
Winthrop officials are delighted to help host the event. “Rock the Winds is a first-ever of its kind, where a major esports tournament will be held within an amusement park,” said Chuck Rey, the Director of Winthrop Athletics. “The Carolinas are fast becoming an epicenter for esports and Winthrop Esports is proud to lead the way with our nationally ranked program. We are fortunate to have an incredible facility in Carowinds within York County to put on such a unique event. This can easily become one of the largest tournaments in the nation in the coming years!”
Since its launch in 2019, Winthrop’s esports team has captured two national titles: the 2021 League of Legends College Championship and the Collegiate Esports National Championship’s 2021 Rocket League Championship. The team was also a finalist for the Esports Awards’ Collegiate Program of the Year.
To get a front-row seat to experience all the action, spectator tickets can be purchased directly from Carowinds at https://www.carowinds.com/daily-tickets.
For the event schedule and prize pool updates, follow @RocktheWinds on Twitter.
For Rock the Winds live streaming, visit https://twitch.tv/wu_fgc.
Rock the Winds is a proud partner of Comporium, Mainstage Gaming Network, and Fiber Gaming Network.
View the Rock the Winds promotional video here.
Participant Details:
Participants must purchase both a spectator and player ticket to attend. Participant preregistration is required.
Participant Ticket & Registration Link
About Visit York County:
As the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for York County, South Carolina, Visit York County exists to raise the profile and boost the economy of York County through tourism and destination marketing while also contributing to the quality of life for residents. For additional information, visit www.VisitYorkCounty.com.
About Winthrop University:
As a public, comprehensive institution located in the heart of the Carolinas, Winthrop provides an education that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness and civic engagement with an emphasis on lifelong professional and personal development. The goal is for students to learn to be critical thinkers, informed citizens, and collaborative problem-solvers. Winthrop grants 47 undergraduate degrees and 22 graduate programs and certificates across four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business Administration, the Richard W. Riley College of Education, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
For more information, contact Mallory Snyder at msnyder@visityorkcounty.com
or Judy Longshaw at longshawj@winthrop.edu.
