Representatives from Hawks Talon Educated Local Students on Opportunities in Esports

Hawks Talon GC, the official NBA 2K League Affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, along with Morris Brown College, hosted an open house at the award-winning State Farm Arena for local high school and college students. Students had the opportunity to learn about the world of esports and speak to Hawks Talon players, Coach Ismael Diaz-Tolentino, Director of Esports Wesley Acuff, as well as Hawks Talon business staff.

“Showing students that there are paths in esports outside of just being gamers is really important, because there are countless opportunities in the industry,” said Hawks Talon Director of Esports Wesley Acuff. “It was amazing to speak with students one-on-one and give them a better idea of what a future in esports can look like for them.”

Morris Brown College, home of the first HBCU esports program, hosted the event in tandem with Hawks Talon Gaming to expose students to esports at the collegiate and professional levels. Dr. Kevin E. James, President of Morris Brown College, was on hand to speak to students.

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Approximately 100 students representing eight different local high schools and colleges attended the event.

Students were able to play NBA 2K with Hawks Talon players before being able to ask them about their paths to becoming professional esports athletes. The students then broke up into groups to meet with members of the Hawks Talon front office to discuss careers in esports outside of just playing the game.

To end the day, students toured the new Hawks Talon Gaming Practice Facility at State Farm Arena. The two-level facility is 6,000 square feet and features a players’ lounge, games, streaming stations and more. The facility is located on the main level concourse of the arena by Gate 7.

In December, the NBA 2K League announced significant changes during the upcoming fifth season in 2022. The new season will revolve around three tournaments (THE TIPOFF, THE TURN AND THE TICKET) as well as the NBA 2K League Playoffs and Finals. In addition, the league introduced a new 3v3 format that will culminate in a 3v3 championship. And lastly, amateur teams will be included for the first time in NBA 2K League competition, with the opportunity to participate in the 3v3 tournament format.

THE TIPOFF will begin with group play beginning on April 5, marking the beginning of tournament play in Season Five.

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