State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson announced a system-wide esports tournament to help support student emergency funds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning today, and lasting three weeks, the SUNY Chancellor Esports Challenge Co-Sponsored by Extreme Networks will offer a $20,000 prize pool.

Participating students will represent their college with all winnings going to student emergency funds at those students' respective schools.

Established to bolster the SUNY system's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, #SUNYTogether is a multi-faceted fundraising effort that aligns with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's broader "New York Loves" philanthropic campaign.

In addition to raising money for student emergency funds, #SUNYTogether also provides funding for medical research, personal protective equipment, and student scholarship.

Each college is invited to put forward two teams of students to compete in "Fortnite" by Epic Games, "Super Smash Bros Ultimate" by Nintendo, or "Rocket League" by Psyonix.
The tournament is free and can be completed entirely online.

Of the $20,000 prize pool, Chancellor Johnson committed $10,000 and co-sponsor Extreme Networks committed $10,000. The top prize for each game is $2,000, which will be donated to the student emergency fund at the winners' respective school.

There will also be a $5,000 grand prize given to the SUNY campus with the best overall score.

Players will also be eligible for other prizes from Extreme Networks, Mountain Dew Game Fuel, and SUNY Canton.