A new, major esports event is coming to Carowinds. Here’s everything you need to know
A new competition is coming to Carowinds, aimed at growing esports and this region’s profile among players.
Winthrop University, Carowinds and Visit York County have announced an event set for March 25-26.
Rock the Winds will offer $4,000 in prize money for Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Rivals Aether competitions. Hundreds of players from across the region are expected.
Chuck Rey, athletic director at Winthrop, said the event is the first of its kind as a major esports tournament held at an amusement park. Rey said the event could become one of the largest tournaments in the country, in coming years.
“The Carolinas are fast becoming an epicenter for esports and Winthrop Esports is proud to lead the way with our nationally ranked program,” Rey said.
Winthrop began an esports program in 2019. The Rock Hill university has two national titles, one each in the League of Legends and Rocket League games. The team was a finalist for collegiate program of the year after both 2021 wins.
Visit York County president and CEO Andy Clinton said as visitors evolve, so too must the experiences York County offers to them. Esports are a great new market to drive tourism.
“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,” Clinton said.
The new event brings several key partners in the region together. Carowinds is a 400-acre theme park on the Carolina line, situated in both Fort Mill and Charlotte. Winthrop brings Rock Hill into the mix.
Spectator and player tickets are available online at carowinds.com/daily-tickets. Event schedule and updates are on Twitter at @RocktheWinds. Events also will be streamed on Twitch.
This story was originally published February 9, 2023 at 11:28 AM.
