CORRECTION: The original version of this article misspelled a source's name and said the recent tournament was the first that the esports club hosted which is not true. Elon News Network regrets these errors.

Since his first year at Elon, Joey Fisher had dreamed of the university’s esports club hosting a Super Smash Bros. tournament. 

Teams from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and Elon University gathered in Global Commons to compete in a bracket-style tournament from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. ​​Two large screens at the front of the room displayed the main competition, where players faced off in a series of games, with winners advancing to the next round. Below, smaller screens showed competitors waiting for their turn, passing the time with friendly matches. The room was filled with the sounds of buzzers and the rapid clacking of controllers. 

The club credits Fisher with bringing the event to life, according to esports club president Katie Hadden. 

"This felt like a send-off event for Joey because he’s worked so hard to make it happen," Hadden said. 

Elon Club eSports member, Joey Fishers, plays Super Smash Bros. during Club eSports' tournament in Global Commons on April 5.

When Fisher first pitched the idea to club sports in 2021, it was rejected due to safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he didn’t give up, continuously advocating for the tournament throughout his four years. 

“I had to keep reminding them, and then this year, it finally happened,” Fisher said. 

The tournament fostered a strong sense of community, particularly for Fisher. 

Although only six competitors represented Elon out of the 30 contestants, Fisher said the space was filled with friends. 

“I basically know everyone who came,” Fisher said, crediting the presence of his freshman-year roommates as one of the event's highlights.

As tournament matches were played on the big screens, contestants competed on smaller monitors while waiting for their turn. During this time, competitors shared strategies and connected over their mutual love for gaming. 

The day’s excitement lingered as the tournament ended, with players exchanging high-fives and laughs. As the computer clicked off and the controllers were unplugged, the tournament’s success marked a personal milestone for Fisher. 

“I hope they continue this after I’m gone,” Fisher said.