Northwood Esports standout Christopher “Cjay” Smith has signed a professional contract to play Overwatch for Spacestation Gaming.
“Spacestation Gaming is a partnered organization with the Overwatch Championship Series, further solidifying Cjay’s status as an elite player in the competitive Overwatch scene,” explained Northwood Esports Coach Jacob R. Jacob.
Smith’s journey from collegiate esports to the professional stage includes playing for the Los Angeles Valiant in the final season of the Overwatch League in 2023, and then returning to Northwood in 2024 to continue his academic and esports career. Since then, he has competed professionally for organizations like TSM and NTMR (Nightmare) before earning his latest opportunity with Spacestation Gaming.
“Over the years, Northwood gave me a dedicated space to play with better internet and even a better computer than what I have back home. It helped me focus on just getting better at the game,” said Smith of Levittown, New York. “Without the opportunities I’ve gotten, I don’t know where I would be.”
Since its inception in 2019, Northwood Esports has built a reputation for developing high-caliber players, with five Overwatch players signing professional contracts. Smith is among an elite group of former Northwood Esports players, including Landon “Landon” McGee, Joseph “Lep” Cambriani, Diego “Vega” Moran, and Julian “Rokit” Pizana, who have all transitioned to professional play.
“Collegiate esports, in many ways, demands more than the traditional path to pro,” Jacob explained. “Players like Cjay not only balance schoolwork with competition but also compete in multiple leagues each week. Cjay’s ability to effectively manage his time and maximize his practice and playtime has been a defining factor in his growth.”
Assistant Coach Aden Frosch said Northwood Esports provides high-quality gaming infrastructure, strong internet, and minimal distractions, which allows players to fully dedicate themselves to improvement.
“Cjay took full advantage of these resources, and his growth as a player has been remarkable,” Frosch added.
Despite his professional commitments, Smith remains dedicated to completing his degree at Northwood University. Thanks to recent changes in the Overwatch Championship Series format, he will continue to compete in collegiate Overwatch while playing professionally. To accommodate his training and travel schedule, Northwood has adjusted his academic plan to include more online courses.
While much of his competition will take place virtually, Smith will travel for key Overwatch Championship Series events. Spacestation Gaming plans to host a team boot camp in Salt Lake City, Utah, ahead of the regional playoffs, and if Spacestation Gaming qualifies for the first Overwatch Championship Series Major in April, Smith will travel to Hangzhou, China, to compete on the international stage.
In other recent Northwood Esports news:
• Northwood’s Rocket League team won the 3rd Collegiate Rocket League Open, making Northwood the first team in the ‘new era’ of Collegiate Rocket League to win the opener/qualifier tournaments back-to-back, Frosch explained. There is one more qualifier event that Northwood Esports hopes to use on March 15-16 to solidify its place as the top-seeded Rocket League team. The Collegiate Rocket League (CRL) Championship playoffs will then take place on April 5-6.
• Northwood Esports launched a reimagined website that elevates the experience for fans, players, and recruits.
For more information about Northwood Esports, visit https://esports.northwood.edu/ or utilize this inquiry form to connect with the Northwood Esports coaching staff.
