This article was originally published on GameSpot's sister site onGamers.com, which was dedicated to esports coverage.

　　Building upon the LCS and Coke Zero Challenger League, Riot announced the North American Collegiate Championship today, giving collegiate teams from North American and Canada an avenue to prepare for a professional esports career.

　　We're excited to announce the North American Collegiate Championship | http://t.co/mszpFX7oq1

　　— LoL esports (@lolesports) January 7, 2014

　　The prize? $100,000 in scholarships that can't be spent on ramen noodles. Starting today, teams from accredited colleges can sign up until the January 22nd deadline. Multiple teams from the same university can join, and the herd will be thinned starting with the North American Collegiate Open from January 25th to February 2nd.

　　From there, 16 teams will be placed into four groups. Eight teams will be from the North American Collegiate Open, another four will be taken from IvyLoL's fall season, and the last four teams will be pre-qualified through the Collegiate StarLeague.

　　When it's all said and done, the top four teams will compete live February 22nd and 23rd at Riot's new studios.

　　Image Credit: Riot Games