Members of the Humber Esports community took part in a huge gaming event happening in Toronto that raised proceeds for the MLSE Foundation in support of mental health.

Bell Gaming Night took place on January 2 at the Scotiabank Arena. The event, which was held in partnership with OverActive Media, featured competitive gameplay in video games including Call of Duty, Overwatch, NBA 2K25 and more for a chance to win prizes.

Bernard Mafei, senior administrator of Esports at Humber Polytechnic, was there as a commentator for the Courtside Clash tournaments. Mafei said it was a unique experience to hear his voice booming throughout the arena while the match they were calling was displayed on the JumboTron.

“It was very cool to be in Scotiabank Arena for the purpose of gaming and it was a phenomenal event,” said Mafei.

Other members of the Humber Esports community were also working on the event – photographer Nitik Singhal and Rocket League coach Eric Buchyns.

Singhal, a second-year Architectural Technology student, was hired by Humber Esports to take photos of their teams at the event. It was his second time at the arena – his first was to take in a Toronto Raptors game – and one he won’t soon forget.

“Being on the court was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever done as part of esports,” said Singhal, adding he also had a chance to network with others including the Toronto Ultra esports team.  

Singhal joined Humber Esports this year and has high praise for it. Finding community and friendship through Humber Esports has made for a better post-secondary experience for him and is a reason for Singhal to stay on campus rather than attending class and heading home right after. He added he’s seen his grades improve and credited Humber Esports for keeping him more engaged with his post-secondary experience.

Buchyns, who’s in his final year of the Culinary Management program, has worked as a freelance event coordinator for other OverActive Media gaming events. At Bell Gaming Night he served as a brand ambassador on the court. People were allowed to go on the court and shoot baskets and Buchyns was there to assist.

Buchyns said he also used the opportunity to network at the event as there were many teams, staff and others belonging to the esports ecosystem. He wants to grow a Rocket League community in the Toronto area and used Bell Gaming Night as a chance to pitch the idea to others.

He’s found community through Humber Esports and said he’s bonded with others over their shared love of Rocket League. These friendships have gone beyond Humber Esports and Buchyns said they hang out together and have become friends outside of gaming.

More information can be found at the Humber Esports linktr.ee page.