Ryan Ferguson Leads Esports With Precision, Strategy and a Tactical Edge

In "Valorant," every move counts, every strategy matters, and for Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University's Ryan Ferguson (’26), those principles have guided his journey from casual gamer to president of ERAU Esports, the university’s esports club. “Valorant is all about teamwork and timing,” he says, a mindset he’s used to build Embry‑Riddle’s esports program into a competitive force.

With its blend of precise strategic teamwork and skill-based abilities, Valorant has become a top title in competitive gaming and esports, yet it’s only one of many competitive games in the club. Under Ryan’s leadership, the esports community on the Daytona Beach Campus has grown into one of the largest student organizations, boasting over 340 active members and 160 competitive players across 25 teams, including "League of Legends," "Overwatch 2," "Rocket League" and "Rainbow Six Siege," among other titles.

Finding Community

Ryan’s path to competitive gaming wasn’t straightforward. Originally from New York, his love for being on the water initially led him toward naval architecture, but his interests eventually pivoted to computer science and, unexpectedly, esports. “Honestly, I wasn’t a huge gamer before college,” he admits. “I’d played video games in high school, but they weren’t a big part of my life. But at Embry‑Riddle, I found my community with the esports club and realized there was so much more to it.”

Today, Ryan’s presidency has transformed the club into a thriving community. “We try to be inclusive no matter the skill level,” Ryan explains. “It’s rewarding to give people a chance to join esports, whether or not they see themselves as ‘great players.’” By fostering spaces for everyone from beginners to top-ranked players, Ryan has elevated the club’s reputation in the collegiate esports landscape.

Gaming Competitions and Skill Development

Despite lacking high-level coaching and state-of-the-art facilities that rival programs enjoy, Embry‑Riddle’s top Valorant team has made an impressive mark. “Our top team took on some serious competition,” Ryan notes. “Even against Florida schools with fully-funded teams and salaried coaches, we held our own. It’s great to show that we can compete at that level.” The team’s success has made the eligible for multiple tournaments and competitions within the Florida esports scene — most notably the prestigious Peach Belt Cup, in which they hope to compete in the spring 2025 season.

Leading such a large and active organization and serving as treasurer of the Game Development Club has honed Ryan’s skills in managing people and processes — an “ult” he applies well beyond gaming. “Being president has definitely built my leadership skills,” he says. “I’m learning to delegate, to communicate clearly and to keep things running smoothly. It’s not just about playing; it’s about making sure everyone has a good experience.”

Under his guidance, the club has adopted a formal code of conduct to ensure safety and respect among members. “The last thing we want is for Embry‑Riddle’s name to be tarnished,” he adds. “Our code of conduct has made our club more inclusive.”

Ryan’s initiatives also extend beyond campus boundaries. In a recent partnership with Daytona State College, Ryan organized a series of online orientation events to ease students into college life. “We set up a bunch of online events with Daytona State,” he explains. “We knew there were a lot of new students feeling nervous about college, so we created spaces for them to connect and meet new people. It was amazing seeing students come out of their shells and find friendships.”

Making an On-Campus Impact

For Ryan, being part of esports at Embry‑Riddle means working on behalf of students he may never meet. “I’m organizing everything with a goal in mind: to leave a structure that works well even when I’m gone,” he says. His determination has already made waves, as the club’s budget has surged to over $17,000 last semester, and new collaborations with other campus clubs continue to develop. “The Student Government Association has been incredible, and my team of officers — just amazing. I couldn’t ask for better people.”

As he looks to the future, Ryan envisions esports as a bridge for engaging students who might otherwise remain disconnected from traditional campus life. “Embry‑Riddle’s gaming community is close-knit and diverse. Everyone here is open to learning and growing together,” he says. With his sights set on integrating esports into athletics, Ryan’s commitment to the club has the potential for lasting impact. “Once we’re part of athletics,” he says with a smile, “it’s going to be a game-changer.”

After he completes his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, he may literally become a game-changer. “My career goal is game development," Ryan says. "Honestly, anything in that field, whether it be game programming, game design or even esports design.”