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What International Esports Players Should Know Before Joining a U.S. College Program

When Attila Menesi first started working in esports recruiting, he noticed something big, many international players had no idea what they were walking into.

He gets it. Years ago, Attila moved from Hungary to the U.S. on a scholarship for ice hockey. It was exciting, but also overwhelming. There was no guide, no system, and no one to explain how to handle visas, school requirements, or scholarships. Now, he’s helping make that process easier for others.

Attila studied international law and worked in financial crime prevention in the Netherlands. But after years in the corporate world, he realized something was missing. On a walk across Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago trail, he had a realization he wanted to work in the gaming world that made him happy growing up.

Today, he helps international students get recruited by U.S. colleges through esports. And he’s on a mission to make that path clearer and more supportive.

Attila sees three big issues international players often don’t expect:

No structure – Players don’t know where to start when applying to U.S. schools.

Visa confusion – Getting the paperwork right is stressful and hard to navigate.

No backup plan – Most players don’t think about life after esports.

That’s why his focus is helping students combine education with competition so they can build careers and chase their esports dreams.

Attila doesn’t just care about experience. Attila wants to see:

Coachability – Are you open to feedback?

Motivation – Do you want to grow, on and off the screen?

Values – Do you fit the team culture?

Academic goals – Are you thinking about your future?

He helps players find programs that match both their competitive level and their educational interests whether it’s psychology, business, or engineering.

Unlike going straight to the pros, college esports gives you four years to grow, compete, and study. If you go pro after, great. If not? You still have a degree and valuable skills to use anywhere.

Attila also believes schools and publishers should work closer together. That way, college programs can become a real pathway to professional teams just like college sports work in the U.S.

His Message to Parents and Players:

If you’re a parent, know this: esports isn’t “just gaming” anymore. Your child could get a scholarship, a degree, and even a career out of it.

If you’re a player, remember: talent is great, but structure and education will carry you further.

The esports world moves fast. But with the right support and guidance, international players don’t have to figure it out alone.