BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College are proud to announce the launch of its first-ever esports program, made possible through a new partnership with longtime community champion Paul Bunyan Communications.
 
The official announcement took place at the GigaZone Gaming Championship and TechXpo on Saturday, April 12, where the community received a firsthand account of what the new program will entail.
 
The program is expected to launch in 2026 as a club-level sport with the aspiration of evolving into an intercollegiate varsity program.
 
"Esports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, and its appeal extends to the breadth of the diverse communities of northern Minnesota," said John L. Hoffman, president of both Bemidji State and Northwest Technical College. "Esports is about more than just gaming. This competition is about preparing students for life skills and career skills: teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving in a dynamic, innovative, fast-paced environment."
 
This partnership marks a major milestone for Bemidji State and NTC, ushering in a new era of student engagement, innovation and collaboration. The esports program will offer students the opportunity to compete, strategize and build community in a cutting-edge environment called the GigaZone Esports Lounge located on BSU's campus in Bridgeman Hall.
 
"Bemidji State University's investment in esports and the addition of the GigaZone Esports Lounge is a game-changer for students and our region," said Chad Bullock, the CEO of Paul Bunyan Communications. "Our cooperative is proud to support innovative opportunities that not only engage students but also highlight the power of the world-class broadband that our all-fiber optic network provides. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the future of education, technology and providing esports opportunities right here in northern Minnesota."
 
Paul Bunyan Communications has long been a steadfast supporter of BSU, NTC and the greater Bemidji region. This latest collaboration reflects their ongoing support for education and community growth through technology, high-speed broadband and strong local partnerships.
 
"We are especially grateful to Paul Bunyan Communications for leveling up their partnership with us," Hoffman said. "You are a leader in technology and innovation in northern Minnesota. We are looking forward to the opportunity to partner with you to make Bemidji the leading rural innovation tech hub in the United States."
 
Students and future students are encouraged to get involved, whether they're gamers, analysts, technology enthusiasts or fans of innovation.
 
For more information about the esports program, contact the admissions departments. At BSU, email admissions@bemidjistate.edu or call 218-755-2040. At NTC, email  admissions@ntcmn.eduor call 218-333-6600.
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
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