On Friday afternoons, right beside the Maryland Dairy in Stamp Student Union, a group of dedicated gamers come together, remotes in hand, to fiercely compete in their weekly Mario Kart tournament.
From inter-collegiate competitive leagues to laid-back tournaments, the club’s different playing styles allow every member to find their place.
Christopher Nagel, a sophomore aerospace engineering major and co-leader of the club, said the club participates in online collegiate leagues, where students from other colleges form their own teams with their club members and compete head-to-head.
“[Students] start up these leagues. They invite schools to play along, and each school just forms a team, and then we all organize and play,” Nagel said. “There were 80 [schools] last year that participated, so that’s a pretty big crowd.”
The club played in Division 1 status last semester. This university has been a fierce competitor, winning against teams from colleges like the University of California, Los Angeles.
Although all members strive to be tournament champions, for some students, the club is a hopeful reminder to push through the week for rewarding gaming time on Friday.
Senior computer science major Andy Diep said playing Mario Kart can bring back fun childhood memories.
“[It] can really bring the feeling of nostalgia,” Diep said. “[It helps] remind yourself that college is not just all about schoolwork,”
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Instead of competing at his house, he’s now one of many students bringing their skills to Mario Kart club’s weekly tournament. By Friday evening, Stamp’s Baltimore Room is filled with the sight of huddled players, wide monitor screens and combative energy fueling the fire of the tournaments. Students scramble their fingers across joysticks trying to pass their opponents.
Anyone can join in, from those just dabbling with the game to people playing since childhood. The winner earns the title of tournament champion until the next meeting.
Arvin Oruganti, a junior computer science major, said everyone can find their own level of commitment in the club.
“Mario Kart club has everything. You have both the competitive side, but you can also show up here as more of a casual thing,” Oruganti said.
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Juan Leon, a sophomore economics major, said the club’s competitive side is thrilling, where members are ready to take each other down.
“It’s a solo game, so you want to win,” Leon said.
Oruganti said he sees the club as a means of advancement by building connections and learning through casual competition with fellow members.
“It’s not about competing. For me personally, it’s more about improving myself,” Oruganti said.
Nagel said he’s played Mario Kart since childhood, starting on a Nintendo Wii and DS. The club appeals to a lot of different students because of the connections it forms, he added.
“It’s fun to come out and meet like-minded people who also enjoy this game … just having a blast,” Nagel said.
