When Kellen McGurkin joined Boise State Esports as a freshman in 2020, he had no idea of the lasting impact it would have. Now a Budget and Policy Analyst for Idaho Legislative Services, McGurkin credits his experience with esports for preparing him to operate in high-pressure environments, use professional communication skills, and to collaborate on teams—skills he uses every day at the Capitol.
From Sibling Rivalry to National Titles
Growing up, McGurkin often played video games with his older brothers and fell victim to the unfortunate but inevitable losing streak a younger sibling is doomed for. It was his determination to one day beat his older brothers that led him to develop a passion for competitive gaming. By high school, he was ranked in the top 500 players on Overwatch’s leaderboard, a feat that caught the attention of Boise State Esports. He was offered a full-ride scholarship through esports—covering his full tuition and making it possible for him to go to Boise State.
“I wouldn’t have gone to Boise State without the esports scholarship,” McGurkin said. “It was incredible—not just the financial side, but the experiences. Starting college during COVID, I wasn’t even talking to the people in my dorm, but I had teammates I could play with and connect with every day. Then, getting to travel across the country, compete, and be part of that community made it even more special.”
During his four years at Boise State, McGurkin and his team won the Mountain West Championship every year, earning four championship rings. In his junior year, they also secured a national title in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) 2022 winter season. Beyond the trophies, McGurkin walked away with lifelong friendships and essential career skills.
Esports as a Stepping Stone to Success
Success in esports requires more than just gaming—it demands strategy, discipline, and teamwork. For McGurkin, being part of Boise State Esports was an opportunity to develop essential skills that have carried over into his professional career.
“My teammates were some of the hardest-working, smartest people I’ve met,” McGurkin said. “Any group can have misconceptions from people who don’t know them, but my teammates were dedicated and talented. If you can get to the top of a leaderboard where people are competing all day, every day, you’ve developed the skills to be self-critical and improve. Those skills will help you in anything else you choose to do.”
Through esports, McGurkin learned how to manage stress, regulate emotions, perform in high-pressure situations, and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds—critical abilities in both gaming and his current role in government.
“Competing on stage helped me get over the nerves of presenting in front of people,” McGurkin said. “Now, I do public speaking in my job all the time—I do presentations to legislators, and that can be really intimidating. But we had a top-four finish in a national championship game with 20,000 people watching, and that experience helped me handle pressure.”
More Than Just a Team
Beyond competition, Boise State Esports provided Kellen McGurkin with a community of support and opportunities to travel across the country for tournaments. What started as a team quickly developed into a tight-knit group of friends, celebrating victories and lifting up one another through challenges.
“I lived with one of my teammates all four years,” McGurkin said. “We moved from dorms to apartments together, and that bond made a huge difference in competition. When you trust and know the people you’re playing with, it helps in high-pressure moments.”
His advice to students? Take advantage of everything esports offers.
“Go to class, and get to know your teammates,” he said. “The bonds you build outside of the game will help you when you’re in high-pressure situations. Our team’s chemistry was one of the biggest reasons we were so successful.”
Now, as he transitions from esports champion to policy analyst, McGurkin carries the lessons he learned at Boise State with him.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Boise State Esports for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “From the coaches and staff to my teammates and the people who make the program possible—thank you for supporting esports and my future.”
Written by Lizzie Holdridge