WORCESTER—The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division is collaborating with college esports teams across the region to host the pioneering One Pill Can Kill Game Over Tournament, hoping to tap into a critical time to address a growing problem.
This hybrid event leverages the esports platform to educate young people about the dangers of fentanyl at a critical moment in time. According to a recent New England Journal of Medicine study, twenty-two teenagers aged 14 to 18 die each week from drug poisoning or overdose.
To reach this vital audience more effectively, the DEA has partnered with actress and founder of the Devon Michael Foundation, Ava Michelle, and eight regional esports teams for a fresh approach to fentanyl outreach and awareness. With 97% of Americans aged 12 to 17 engaged in video gaming, the DEA aims to connect with young people in the virtual world where they frequently spend time.
Clark University’s Esports hosts the One Pill Can Kill Game Over Tournament on Thursday, June 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. ET on Twitch. Access to view the tournament will also be available at DEA One Pill Can Kill Game Over Tournament | DEA.gov.
Joining Clark University for this Rocket League battle are esports teams from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Boston University, Emerson College, Post University, University of New Hampshire, and the University of Southern Maine.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is now a leading cause of drug poisonings and overdose deaths. It is 50 times more potent than heroin, and just two milligrams – an amount small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil – can be fatal. Many people unknowingly buy fentanyl-laced pills, thinking they are legitimate prescription medications like Percocet or Xanax, often through social media. DEA laboratory tests show that 7 out of 10 fentanyl pills seized contain a potentially lethal dose. In 2023, the DEA seized approximately 15.7 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl in New England alone.
“I am thrilled we are able to team up with these amazing esports teams to host this One Pill Can Kill Game Over Tournament in New England and increase awareness about the dangers of fentanyl,” said DEA Associate Administrator Jon DeLena in a statement. “This event is extremely personal to me. I know how much my own kids enjoy playing video games, so knowing they are also learning valuable, life-saving information while doing what they love is so important. I want to encourage any family with a gamer to join us – either virtually or in-person – watch the competition and then talk about what you’ve learned. It could be the most important talk you have as a family.”
Cota adds in a statement, “Connecting with people in an environment where they are having fun and are open to learning has been an incredible experience. Raising awareness and providing education about the fentanyl epidemic is absolutely crucial—I genuinely believe we are saving lives.”
The One Pill Can Kill Game Over Tournament in New England marks the third installment in this series. The inaugural tournament, hosted by the DEA’s New Orleans Field Division in January, attracted over 285,500 viewers. The second tournament, held by DEA Philadelphia in March, garnered more than 146,800 views. Unique to the New England event is the addition of an in-person outreach event preceding the tournament.
Additional information about the event can be found here.
