Esports Brings the Bergan Family Together: A Multigenerational Passion for Gaming

The Bergan family's love for gaming has spanned generations, with seven members competing in the upcoming SoDak Circuit esports event powered by SDN Communications and its member-owned companies. From the 1990s to the present day, this Sioux Falls clan has embraced the competitive and social aspects of video games, creating lasting memories and fostering a tight-knit community.

Uniting Families Through the Power of Esports

A Lifelong Passion for Gaming

The Bergan family's journey with video games began in the 1990s, when brothers John, Michael, and David were introduced to the world of gaming by their father, Jud, an optometrist who shared his love for board games and chess. As the boys grew older, their passion for video games only intensified, with the family even getting their father involved in the fun."The first game we got him to play was Super Mario Kart," John Bergan recalled, reminiscing about the family's early gaming experiences. The brothers' love for gaming extended beyond their childhood, with John even taking first place in a Super Smash Bros. tournament during his college years at St. Olaf College.

Building a Gaming Community

The Bergan family's passion for gaming didn't stop with just the brothers. Michael, the middle son, took his love for video games a step further by starting a weekly Smash Bros. Club in high school. This club, which drew 30 to 40 kids each week, became a social hub where the community could gather, play games, and bond over their shared interests."It became a social event," Michael said. "Eventually, we had two TVs where the games were being played. And maybe a board game would be going on too." The family's matriarch, Jean Mallory, played a crucial role in supporting the club, stocking the shelves with snacks and drinks to ensure the kids had a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Passing Down the Gaming Legacy

As the Bergan brothers grew older and started families of their own, they made sure to pass down their love for gaming to the next generation. Just as their father had introduced them to board games and chess, the brothers now share their passion for video games with their children."Just like my dad wanted to teach me chess … you want to pass on some memories," Michael said. "I like that we can all play on the couch together." The family's youngest generation, including Jack, Ethan, Rachel, and Eric, have all grown up immersed in the world of video games, with some even set to compete in the upcoming SoDak Circuit tournament.

The Unifying Power of Esports

The Bergan family's love for gaming extends beyond just personal enjoyment. They recognize the broader benefits that video games and esports can bring to communities. David Bergan, the oldest brother, believes that games are a great way to bring people together, provide mental stimulation, and teach important values like sportsmanship."I'm in favor of any game that physically brings people into the same space with each other," he said, "whether it's Mario Kart on a couch, throwing beanbags, shooting pool or playing cards." This sentiment is echoed by the rest of the family, who see the SoDak Circuit tournament as an opportunity to not only showcase their gaming skills but also to connect with a larger community of esports enthusiasts.

Embracing Diversity in Gaming

The Bergan family's passion for gaming extends beyond just the male members of the family. Rachel Bergan, Michael's 11-year-old daughter, will be competing in the SoDak Circuit tournament, challenging the perception that gaming is a male-dominated sport."I'm practicing for it," Rachel said, expressing her excitement to compete in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. She has chosen to play as Donkey Kong, a character with a diverse moveset that she believes will give her an edge against her opponents.Rachel's participation in the tournament is a testament to the growing diversity in the gaming community, with estimates suggesting that 46% of players worldwide are female. The Bergan family's embrace of Rachel's passion for gaming serves as an inspiring example of how esports can bring people together, regardless of gender or age.

The Thrill of Competition

While the Bergan family's love for gaming is rooted in the joy of playing together, they also relish the thrill of competition. As they prepare for the SoDak Circuit tournament, the brothers are eager to test their skills against other gamers and see how they measure up."You kind of want to see how good you are compared to the average person," Michael said. "I'm hoping to win one or two games, but you just don't know. There are people who have been playing this (since it was introduced), and this isn't the game I grew up on. … So it will be interesting to see where I will stack up."For the Bergans, the tournament is not just about winning or losing; it's about the camaraderie and the shared experience of competing together as a family. Whether they emerge victorious or not, the memories and the connections they forge will be the true prize.