Three gamers compete in the 2019 local area network (LAN) gaming tournament at UW’s Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center. This year’s tournament will be held virtually. (UW Esports Club Photo, courtesy of the University of Wyoming)

The University of Wyoming Esports Club is virtually hosting the biannual local area network (LAN) gaming tournament Saturday, Oct. 24.

“It might not be in the same room, but the free, friendly video gaming experience will still be held,” a press release from the University of Wyoming said Tuesday, attributing the statement to the UW Esports Club.

UW says to join the server for a chance to compete, click here to join the UW Esports Club Discord, or email Anthony Pappas, the event coordinator, at apappas@uwyo.edu.

Officials say that in the past, the tournament has been held in Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center, but it is moving to a virtual format.

“This event is for anyone and everyone,” Pappas says. “We’ve had players who haven’t even touched games before and try their hand at it during the LAN event.”

The tournament will feature League of Legends; Counter-Strike: Global Offensive; and Rocket League. Possible additions to the gaming lineup include Valorant; Hearthstone; and Overwatch, based on the competitive teams the club assembles.

“This year, it’s going to be a little more scheduled, as far as how the tournaments go,” says Pappas, an electrical engineering major from Cheyenne. “We want players who play multiple games to be able to compete in both games, if they want.”

The event also will have additional party games for attendees to play while not participating in one of the scheduled tournaments. The goal of the tournament is to build a sense of community, both within and outside the club, Pappas says.

“Now, with COVID, it’s sometimes harder to connect with other people around campus,” he adds. “This online event provides an opportunity to connect with others.”

This article originally appeared on Cap City News. Used with permission.