National Student Esports (NSE) has partnered with Nintendo UK to launch the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate University Championship.
The event will feature an eight-week online circuit and has joined NSE’s winter season, allowing players to earn points for their university as part of the British University Esports Championship.
Jonathan Tilbury, Executive Director at NSE had this to say regarding the partnership: “Since launch, there have been many requests from students for Super Smash Bros Ultimate., so we are delighted to be able to add such a prestigious, sought-after title to the roster. We will be working closely with Nintendo UK to ensure that the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate University Championship exceeds all expectations, especially for players who are extremely passionate about the community”
The opening tournament for the new circuit takes place on October 10th, with the finals being held at the British University Esports University Championship winter finals in December.
In addition to the championship, NSE will be hosting up to five Super Smash Bros. regional university tournaments with the support of the developer. Universities societies across the UK will receive Nintendo merchandise as part of the partnership and be encouraged to run Nintendo events as part of their respective society activities.
The deal with Nintendo UK quickly comes after NSE partnered with ESL and Intel to launch the FutureGen development programme, an initiative designed to identify upcoming esports talent in UK universities.
Esports Insider says: Nintendo UK join the likes of Monster Energy, Intel and Special Effect as one of their partners. The new partnership is a sign of an ever-growing student esports scene and their involvement will greatly assist their rapid expansion.