Raymond Calascibetta is a senior Computer Science major and, after four years of dedication, now serves as the Executive Director of UB Esports and the Student Gaming Association. Raymond has helped craft the identity of UB Esports as both a competitive team and a club for UB students.
Having joined as a player for the Overwatch Varsity Team, then later moving into an Eboard position, Raymond has been committed to making Esports something bigger than just playing games. “To watch it kind of grow on both ends of things, as an old player and as a board member, is just amazing.”
While the on-campus presence of UB Esports is most visible through Level Up, most club happenings are possible through the power of Discord. “We have a community of about over 2,000 people,” Raymond said, although he clarified that not all are UB students. “It’s pretty much an open community for everybody.”
But this inclusivity is part of the beauty and excitement of the Esports and gaming communities. The club hosts certain events for UB students only while also offering other social or community-focused opportunities through Discord channels.
“People connect people they know with other people they already know. Groups are forming, friendships are forming. You see the activity between UB students, and you see the activity between UB students and others around the world.”
The arrival of Level Up has meant a lot to the Esports team and fellow gamers in the student body. But Raymond feels that its impact is a lot stronger than others may realize.
“It’s one of those things, that once you sit down, and you get to play it and enjoy it, you either say ‘Hey, this is for me!’ or ‘This isn’t for me.’” Seeing people introduce friends or significant others to gaming with the equipment in Level Up has been a testament to that, according to Raymond.
Whether you have never played a PC game, or you’re a seasoned pro who had to leave their home set-up behind, there is room for all at the gaming stations of Level Up.