Full Sail Stories

At Full Sail, Armada doesn't just represent the school's competitive esports teams, it also serves as an active community for gamers on campus. Armada community members – whether or not they are on a team – enjoy monthly meet-ups to hang out and game, have esports watch parties, host industry professionals as guest speakers, and give back to the community in partnership with Extra Life.

Events like these are coordinated by Anissa Peoples, the Armada Community Specialist. A big part of Anissa's job is developing strategies to cultivate the community aspect of Armada. She invites new students to join Armada at the monthly Campus Life Block Party, invites industry professionals to speak to students, and more.

“[Armada is] a ‘come as you are’ kind of environment,” says Anissa. “Most of the time, you don't want to be pretending to be somebody else while you're playing video games, and that's one of the big things our community excels at. If you're looking for a place and you like video games, we try to be that place where you find your friends, find your connections for professional stuff in the future, and just have a good time.”

Here are some of the fun ways the Armada community has recently come together.

Community Nights

Armada frequently has Community Nights where they gather for the sole reason of having fun.

They recently had a throwback night where they played Throwback! Jai-Alai Heroes, an arcade cabinet game made by Hall of Fame inductee Caris Baker. The tournament was high energy and fierce, and the champion took home keepsake pins as a reward.

At an Among Us-themed night, students joined online and in-person at Armada HQ to play the popular social deduction game and enjoy each other’s company.

Students also got together in the early morning hours to stream the League of Legends World Finals which took place in China. They got to watch the thrilling matches between Korean teams T1 and KT Rolster and share their love of esports together.

Monthly Events

One Sunday afternoon per month, Anissa organizes Club Gatherings at Armada HQ for students to hang out and have some friendly competition. Armada officers typically host tournament brackets for Super Smash Bros., Mortal Kombat X, 2XKO, and more.

Since they’re in Armada HQ, attendees can also play any game they own on Steam, Battle.net, or the Epic Games Store. Some even come and play solo games just to enjoy the community environment.

“We have a mix of both [online and campus students at Club Gatherings], and it's a great way for them to build community in ways they may not otherwise,” Anissa shares.

At the monthly Campus Life Block Party, new students get to check out resources, local organizations, and clubs – including Armada. Anissa and a couple of Armada officers set up their tent, share information about Armada, and invite students to join their community.

“My big push typically is, ‘Hey, come to a Club Gathering and meet us in our element,’” Anissa says. “If you want to meet the rest of our students and see if this really suits you, come hang out at Club Gathering or whatever our next event is. Or if they're interested in something like Varsity, Squadron, or the Armada Production Crew, I provide the information as to what those look like.”

Talks From Esports Experts

Not only does Armada like having fun, they also enjoy learning from industry experts. Recently, Matthew “Burns” Potthoff spoke to students over Discord and shared insight from his experience as a former professional esports player and current VP of Gaming & Creators at PIVOT Agency. He shared the story of how he went from hobby gamer to esports champion to his current role connecting brands with esports creators and influencers.

Another guest speaker Armada heard from recently was Matthew “mCe” Elmore, Valorant Head Coach at Maryville University. Matthew was a guest on Have Game, Will Travel – a show hosted by Bennett Newsome, Director of Esports Growth & Development at Full Sail – where he discussed what it was like winning the 2025 NACE Spring Championship hosted at Full Sail, what he enjoys about coaching, what he believes are the biggest misconceptions in collegiate esports, and more.

Extra Life Partnership Events

Armada members are also able to apply their passion for esports to a good cause. In partnership with Extra Life, they recently had the opportunity to brighten patients’ day at the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children by playing games like Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart with them.

For Halloween, students dressed in costumes and handed out candy, stickers, and Pokémon cards to patients and played video games with them.

On Extra Life Game Day, Armada did a marathon stream for 24 hours straight and raised more than $4,000 for Orlando Health, playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Apex Legends, and more.

“Extra Life Game Day is one of our favorite traditions each year,” shares Bennett. “It brings together students, alumni, and our larger gaming community for something bigger than just playing games. It’s about using our passion for gaming to do real good, and that’s a lesson that sticks long after the 24 hours are up.”

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