Chicago Urban League Dives into Esports
The Chicago Urban League is taking their first steps into the growing Industry of Esports, helping them in this initiative is Esports expert and business owner Kevin Fair from “I Play Games!” LLC. Historically The Chicago Urban League is responsible for helping Black families and communities achieve success by providing social and economic empowerment.
Partnering with “I Play Games!” LLC, IPG, is a perfect fit because their goals are similar. The CEO of IPG, Kevin Fair, says,
“IPG is your turn-key solution for video game activities and events. We travel nationwide to conventions and expos providing Event Consultations, Equipment rentals, and Staffing.”
IPG plans to bring Esports Tournaments to the patrons of Chicago Urban League along with workshops and classes speaking on careers in Esports.
This initiative is close to Kevin Fair’s heart because he is a Black Chicago native, born & raised on the Southside. Gaming is a lifetime passion for Kevin who started hosting tournaments while at Morgan Park High School. Fair started IPG because he wanted to share his passion for gaming Worldwide. He travels the country planning, hosting, and moderating tournaments/gaming events for conventions like New York Comic Con, C2E2, and Wakanda Con.
“The Urban League is close to my heart because I remember taking Microsoft Excel classes in eighth grade, every Monday night. Not only did I do well in the class, but I realized my aspirations to pursue a career in technology. It was a really great experience,” says Kevin.
Kevin expresses how the Urban League gathers people from all across Chicagoland and brings them together. Kevin says,
“I know the Chicago Urban League is great at being a beacon for learning and fun. I want to help grow and enhance the experience I had. I plan to do that through Esports classes and tournaments.”
Kevin talks about the importance of letting kids who look like him know esports is for them.
“The plan is to build momentum from the Esports tournaments and classes so that we can start reaching people everywhere.”
The NBA 2K tournament extended to the Chicago Urban League Students happens Wed. Jan 27 at 5 pm CST. The tournament will be held on both Xbox and Playstation; it is free to register.
Tournament Requirements:
- All participants must join The IPG Esports OFFICIAL DISCORD SERVER
- Must be Illinois Resident
- Must have PlayStation 4 console with active PS+
- Must have a copy of NBA 2K21
- Stable Internet Connection Wired Preferred
The Super Smash Brothers’ Ultimate tournament is also taking place Wed. Jan 27 at 5 pm CST on the Nintendo Switch. This tournament is also free to register for Chicago Urban League Students.
To find out more information and to register for the tournaments email contact @ IPGstaff dot org or through their website IPGNation.com
Kevin recently hosted an esports event with the Chicago Park District. His NBA 2K tournament featuring both Xbox and PlayStation console were able to bring together players all across Chicago.
