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UT esports team travels to Orlando for competitive video game tournament, advances to playoffs

They advanced in the Street Fighter V competition and will compete in the South Division playoffs.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — From the football field to the computer screen, the University of Tennessee has athletes of all kinds.

UT's esports team is in the playoffs of a competitive video game tournament after traveling to Orlando, Florida on Feb. 16 for the CSL: Southeastern Regional tournament. The game is the latest version of the classic Street Fighter series, released in 1987.

The tournament featured eight collegiate esports clubs. They competed for a qualifying spot in a national competition held in Atlanta and a chance to win $15,000. 

Three games were played at the tournament in Orlando: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Smash Bros. Melee and Street Fighter V.

Credit: Elijah Hunt

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The team's Super Smash Bros. team did not advance to the next round of the competition. However, its Street Fighter V team advanced to the South Division playoffs by default, after the Florida team did not appear.

There is no date or location set for the South Division playoffs.

Credit: Elijah Hunt

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The UTK esports team will also host its own regional tournament on March 28 and 29, featuring several games popular games including Call of Duty, Overwatch and League of Legends.

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