A team of Esports students from the University of Northampton are hitting ‘replay’ on a second annual event to fundraise money for a local charity close to their hearts.
Taking place on 26–27 February, more than 50 students will transform the ground floor of the Learning Hub at Waterside Campus into a two-day gaming hub, featuring tournaments and activities across popular titles including Mario Kart, Just Dance, League of Legends, Rocket League, Valorant and Marvel Rivals.
The student-led Gameblast event aims to raise £2,000 for Oxford-based charity SpecialEffect, which helps people with physical disabilities enjoy video games through customised technology and equipment. If successful, the funds could provide up to 160 eye-gaze kits or 268 adapted one-handed controllers, helping more players access gaming without barriers.
This year’s fundraising target also marks a personal milestone for Lecturer in Esports, Ellis Celia, whose decade-long support for SpecialEffect would surpass £10,000 raised.
As the students prepare to hit play on the two-day event, second-year student, Anya Tydeman will be taking on the role of Project Lead for the second year in a row.
“Gameblast is an event I really believe in, and being able to reprise my role as student project manager is such an amazing opportunity”, Anya explains. “This year I’ve been lucky to have the help from some very talented first years who I believe will take the event even further in the years to come!
“Being involved again has given me the chance to build on last year’s achievements and push to be even bigger and better this year. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we’re putting in has a meaningful impact on helping more people play games that we all love.
“Now partnered with our Student’s Union, this year’s Gameblast will be larger and more interactive than ever before, helping us focus on creating an inclusive event while raising as much money and awareness as possible for SpecialEffect!”
Alongside in-person gameplay, students will host a bake sale, raffle and livestream matches across Twitch and YouTube, widening access for supporters unable to attend in person.
The event will also welcome more than 20 students from Bedford College, who will take part in competitions, shadow organisers, and gain hands-on experience of university life and event delivery.
“I was blown away by the grand total raised by our students here at UON last year, and they have certainly put pedal to the metal on accelerating their efforts this year” adds Ellis.
“This event is entirely led by our students, as they are responsible for managing all aspects of the event themselves, which includes creating and delivering marketing and social media promotion, as well as delivering the event and managing unforeseen challenges.
“It’s not just about raising money – it’s about giving students real experience, building confidence, and showing what they’re capable of.
“It has been fantastic to see the collaboration taking place among nearly 70% of the course cohort – roughly 100 students – and they’re really looking forward to welcoming staff, students and members of the public to the University for two days of gaming in aid of a great cause.”
Members of the public can tune in from anywhere at twitch.tv/esportsuon or support the event in-person at Waterside Campus’ Learning Hub on 26-27 February.