University of St. Thomas Houston and Mainline, an esports platform and media company, have teamed up to develop academic programming that will give students a competitive advantage to enter the multi-million dollar world of esports commerce.

Esports, multi-player video gaming competition, has skyrocketed in popularity with hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide and is the fastest growing sport in the world. Esports gamers are internationally known and recognized as professional athletes, and Mainline is one of the premier platforms currently hosting this community.

“We are excited that Mainline will help us found and develop our varsity esports team, but equally excited that this innovative venture will take us well beyond that and into the classroom. We believe Mainline is the perfect partner to help us boldly enter this dynamic space,” UST President Dr. Richard Ludwick said. “The program will provide students an opportunity to learn from industry experts how to master this rapidly growing business.”

Chris Buckner, CEO and Co-founder of Mainline says, "As Mainline continues to grow in the collegiate esports space with our partnerships, tournament software, and community platform, we couldn't be more excited to partner with the University of St. Thomas to help build their esports program. Our team of engineers, production, talent, and management are thrilled to be working directly with the staff and students to bring technology and curriculum to this exemplary university."

The new programming is scheduled to begin at University of St. Thomas this fall.