ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - Winthrop University, Visit York County and Carowinds will host the second annual Rock the Winds esports tournament on April 13-14. The event will bring hundreds of athletes including 20 of the top 50 players in the country to Carowinds to compete for a prize pool of $10,000.
The competition will feature Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Rivals of Aether, along with two new games for the 2024 event: Street Fighter and HewDraw Remix.
The inaugural Rock the Winds took place in March 2023 and brought more than 250 esports athletes from around the country to York County.
“The growth of esports and Rock the Winds presents an incredible opportunity to showcase York County’s niche sports scene and generate local economic impact through the multi-billion-dollar business of esports,” said Andy Clinton, president and CEO of Visit York County.
Rock the Winds aims to highlight Winthrop’s nationally ranked esports program which has been a powerhouse since its inception in 2019 with two national titles, one regional title, the inaugural Big South Conference esports title and multiple tournament appearances. In November 2023, the university opened the Winthrop Esports Center in the growing Knowledge Park hub adjacent to downtown Rock Hill.
"We are excited to continue in our commitment to growing esports here in our community and are looking forward to the return of Rock the Winds for a second year,” said Josh Sides, Winthrop’s head esports coach. “The first year of the tournament was an incredibly well-run and well-received event, and we expect nothing less than giving tournament-goers that experience again this year and for years to come. Where else can you have the experience of competing with some of the top players in the world and then hopping on a roller coaster right after?”
Event spectators should purchase a ticket or season pass directly from Carowinds. This event will be streamed on Twitch TV at https://twitch.tv/wu_fgc.
“Carowinds is proud to partner again this year with Winthrop University and Visit York County to host Rock the Winds,” said Marc Gran, sales director for Carowinds. “This combination of thrills on the screens along with thrills on the rides makes it a perfect opportunity for the players to have fun and compete.”
Comporium, Mainstage Gaming Network and Fiber Gaming Network are sponsors of Rock the Winds.
For questions or additional ticket-related information, contact Winthrop Esports by way of CJ Wiley at 803/205-5022 or redcj21@gmail.com.
