Backstory

Ireland Collegiate Alumni Guild was conceived to play home for all past Ireland Esports Collegiate Series players and those from the previous incarnations dating back to 2017.

We also want to welcome in Irish graduates from wherever they reside who have since found an interest in gaming and esports.

The establishment of the Alumni Guild is a critical step in the journey of building a sustainable Ireland Collegiate. For the series to flourish we need the support of this community of graduates that have since moved on into their chosen careers.

About Alumni Guild Lead Adam Conway

Adam is a journalist and software developer. He graduated from University College Dublin with a degree in Computer Science in 2021. Throughout university, Adam worked to build the university's esports division in the Game Society.

Adam successfully ran Counter-Strike for the Irish Collegiate Esports before its eventual collapse. Following that, he joined the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series and now runs Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT and as of July 2024 - the Ireland Collegiate Alumni Guild.

About Ireland Collegiate

The Ireland Esports Collegiate Series provides a platform for students from the top 16 Universities and Colleges across the island to compete in esports. The series is split in two across the Winter and Spring semesters with an in-person finals weekend at the conclusion of each one.

The results from the top team of each institution contribute towards the Collegiate Challenge Ranking, the top university plays host to the runner up at the end of the series for the Collegiate Challenge Trophy. In addition, past and present students can participate in an annual Summer Tournament.

Historically, collegiate esports in Ireland started with purpose back in 2017, the timeline for its evolution is as follows by academic year:

2017-2021 - Irish Collegiate Esports
2021-2022 - Legion Collegiate
2022-2023 - Nativz Collegiate
2023-present - Ireland Esports Collegiate Series

Since Nativz Gaming took the reigns back in September 2022, there has been a steady flow of improvements based on student feedback and innovation all with the purpose of achieving a sustainable business model.

About Nativz Gaming

Nativz Gaming was founded in May 2021 by Kurt Pittman. This innovative gaming organisation is building infrastructure to unlock the power of esports gamer data by connecting gaming services and creating community experiences.

Since establishing in Dublin, Ireland, Nativz has built the largest esports ecosystem on the island of Ireland which comprises of Nativz Esports Club and the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series. In July 2024 Nativz also announced the establishment of the Nativz Esports Club’s Academy which completes the pathway-to-pro for local Irish talent.

Headquartered in Dogpatch Labs, Dublin, the team are also active on the ground across London, Belfast and Amsterdam.