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Sailors Compete in Esports and Fitness Challenges at NAS Whidbey Island's Navy MWR Esports Event

Sailor competes against Madden NFL esports pro athlete Drini in a game of EA Sports College Football at Whidbey Island's Navy MWR Liberty Center.

Sailors Compete in Esports and Fitness Challenges at NAS Whidbey Island's Navy MWR Esports Event

November 22, 2024 | Story by Megan Trexler | Commander, Navy Installations Command

WASHINGTON --- On Saturday, November 9, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Liberty Center at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island hosted a dynamic Esports event bringing together dozens of service members for a day of gaming competitions, fitness challenges, prizes and football. Open to single, unaccompanied service members (E1-E6), the event showcased the best of Navy MWR, combining health and wellness, competition and entertainment.

The event featured the new EA Sports College Football 25 game, allowing players to hone their skills on the virtual gridiron. Sailors were given an opportunity to test their skills in the "Play the Pro" challenge against Drini Gjoka, a two-time World Champion esports competitor and Complexity Gaming Pro Team member. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, Drini provided a tough challenge, while players could earn gameplay advantages by completing fitness challenges and earning “spins” on the advantage wheel. Advantages included options such as forcing Drini to punt on third down, playing blindfolded, or using only run plays. Players could also win prizes for challenging the Pro. In addition, gaming stations were set up for open play, giving Sailors the chance to relax and connect with fellow gamers, take pictures with Drini and ask for insights on their favorite games.

To highlight the connection between fitness and gaming, and the importance of overall health, the event also incorporated physical challenges into the event. Cognitive and reactionary challenges, common in both gaming and professional environments, served as a requirement for participation in open play and the opportunity to earn gameplay advantages in the play the pro challenge. Throughout the day, the Liberty Center fostered a lively atmosphere with broadcasts of college football games, snacks, and arcade games, ensuring the event balanced both competitive and social experiences.

Drini shared his appreciation for the event, “I think it's always cool and surprising to see how much the service members care about video games—how important they are as a way for them to relax while on base or in service. I’ve been fortunate to visit this base in Washington, as well as several other Navy and branch bases.” He continued, “It's the passion that I love. They are passionate about their service, but also about the game, and they are ultra-competitive. It's always an absolute blast to come out, get challenged and chat with the members before, during and after the games. These visits are something I’ll never forget.”

HM3 Lizette Franco stood out as the day’s champion, becoming the only participant to defeat Drini in a head-to-head match. “This was a great event,” said Franco. “I was skeptical at first to play the pro because I thought I would get demolished, but I am glad that I was encouraged to try.  He was fun to play and gave me some great tips which made it a great time.”

Innovative programs and initiatives such as this not only provide service members an opportunity to unwind and have fun, but also foster camaraderie and strengthen connections within the Navy MWR community. This event marked the first in a series of three, with additional competitions taking place at Naval Air Station Jacksonville on November 16, 2024. and at Navy Base San Diego on December 14, 2024.

Navy MWR’s mission is to deliver high-quality, customer-focused programs and services that enhance resiliency, retention, readiness and quality of life. Navy MWR Esports is a Community Recreation and Liberty initiative designed to offer competitive entertainment and recreational opportunities at MWR Liberty Centers through technological innovation and esports competitions across the Navy community. Navy MWR Liberty offers single and unaccompanied junior Sailors (E1-E6) a wide range of recreational and leisure programs, including trips, outdoor adventures, entertainment and cultural experiences, volunteer and outreach opportunities and social activities. For more information about Navy MWR Esports, visit www.navymwr.org/esports, and for more details about Navy MWR Liberty, visit www.navymwr.org/liberty.

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