Esports Coordinator Mike Vander Heyden has had to make a lot of a tough decision over the past couple of months since he took the helm of the Hardrocker esports team, but none may have been more challenging than holding the third annual Grubby Games Esports Convention this weekend.

This year's event will be the first time the games have gone virtual, but remains a great opportunity for students, staff, faculty and fans to enjoy some online fun. The event will offer attendees a variety of competitions and causal games they can enjoy from the comfort of their homes, and all for a good cause.

The games will feature a 24-hour livestream from Saturday at 12 p.m. to Sunday at 12 p.m., to help raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network Extra Life campaign. Since 2008, Extra Life has brought gamers together to help raise funds for sick and injured kids in local communities.

South Dakota Mines' livestream will feature a multitude of games including a varsity DOTA competition. "While you may not be able to donate or are a gamer, just by tuning in and showing your support is a big factor in helping us bring attention to Extra Life and Hardrocker Esports", said Vander Heyden.

This event is open to all South Dakota Mines, students, faculty, staff and the public. For more information and to register for an event please join the esports discord at https://discord.gg/4QWgeRCm.  Content will also be live streamed on the Esports Twitch Channel, www.twitch.tv/hardrocker_esports  for the majority of the event.

To donate or join the Hardrocker Extra Life team log onto: https://www.extra-life.org/team/55240.

Schedule of Events
3:00pm – 5:00pm:           Overwatch 1v1 Tournament
6:00pm – 8:00pm:           Jackbox Party Games (Multiple Game Lobbies)
7:00pm – 9:00pm:           DOTA 2 Varsity CSL Match
8:00pm – 10:00pm:         League of Legends 1v1
9:00pm – 11:00pm          League of Legends 2v2
11:00pm – 1:00am          Among Us (Multiple Game Lobbies)
11:00pm – 8:00am:         Tabletop Games Playthroughs
9:00am – 12:00pm:         League of Legends 5v5
 
*Schedule subject to change.