Elite Gaming’s Rob O’Connor on eSports, STEM, and Building Community in Syracuse Host Danny Tripodi interviews Rob O’Connor of Elite Gaming about their advanced gaming center in Syracuse that combines eSports with STEM/CTE programming, content creation (podcasting and streaming), drones, and Lego robotics. O’Connor explains Elite Gaming began as a pre-COVID idea with partner Matt, grew after touring other facilities, launched in a rented wing at MOST, and expanded to 60 PCs as educators showed interest in engaging students who weren’t involved in traditional activities. He addresses misconceptions about gaming, describing structured practices, accountability for grades/attendance/discipline, teamwork and communication skills, and stories of students improving school engagement and reaching college, including eSports scholarships. He discusses hel ...