NIU Esports has taken a powerful step forward in the form of a new competitive fighting game collegiate program. 

First introduced in February 2024, players competed each week over the span of 12 weeks in the popular fighting game “Tekken 8” to prove which player is the best of them all. The program began on Feb. 8 and ends May 10.

In “Tekken 8,” players choose characters from a large roster to fight against one another in a 3D arena. This makes this game different from the likes of “Street Fighter” or “Mortal Kombat,” as the third dimension allows for new forms of movement and new ways to dodge attacks. 

The game also focuses on a more realistic style of martial arts, focusing less on the high-speed and combo-oriented style of play in 2D fighting games, and more on slow and precise character movement and battle strategy. Every movement and attack holds high consequences that can lead to intense matches, making the game exciting for both competitors and spectators alike.

These players compete as part of the Collegiate Fighting Game Conference or CFGC. This conference stands as the largest fighting game conference in the U.S., servicing colleges and universities across the country.

NIU Esports’ community ambassador Eli Curry leads the charge as the coach of NIU’s “Tekken 8” program. His players are Julian Juarez, a junior in visual communications, and Jonathan Mathew, a senior with a double major in statistics and applied mathematics.

MEETING THE PLAYERS

Juarez and Mathew are the main players in the “Tekken 8” program. Their willingness to improve their gaming skills alongside their student work has shaped them into a formidable duo.

Mathew finds it challenging at points to balance his schoolwork alongside his efforts within the program. For him, it helps to stagger out his gaming practice throughout the week while focusing on his studies consistently.

“There’s always more work to do, but I try to get it done as soon as I can,” Mathew said. “Getting together with a study group saves me a lot of time that I could be using for practice.”

Juarez follows a different approach between his schoolwork and his esports time. As a commuting student, he only has so much time he can spend on campus. He chooses to put forth his effort into gaming during his home time, while his studying time is spent on campus.

“I always try to do something every day,” Juarez said. “I’ll look over recorded matches or learn new things in training mode if I don’t have the time to play the game that day.”

MEETING THE COACH

Curry has been coaching collegiate “Tekken 8” at NIU for two years and aims to help his players adapt and overcome any obstacles, whether in the game or within themselves.

As coach, he spends his time during the team’s weekly meets watching over his players’ matches and reviewing their gameplay. From there, he points out their strengths and shows them how to improve their skills.

Curry is passionately invested in fighting games and his background in these games has led him to play in many major tournaments. This includes his greatest victory in “Street Fighter V” at the 2022 Evolution Championship Series.

His long career allows him to bring that experience and determination forward to new generations of players. To him, fighting games are more than an esport; they are an important part of who he is.

Curry believes fighting games themselves to be their own discipline, in a manner similar to martial arts training the body and mind. Fighting games provide players with a sense of purpose and value to their efforts, while giving them a passionate goal to strive for. 

“It’s not like ‘League of Legends’ or ‘Overwatch,’” Curry said. “In these games, your efforts are your own and only you can be held responsible for your wins or losses. It’s difficult, but that’s what I think makes it so exciting.”

While his coaching and assistance can only provide so much support to his players, he has strong faith in Juarez and Mathewn to play well and give the strongest effort they have.

This fighting game conference means a significant amount to coaches, players and all those in the community. The scene allows players to improve their strengths and habits as an individual while also being able to support others on their own journey to greatness.

“This is my life,” Juarez said. “These games and their communities mean so much to me and I will be competing for the rest of my life.”