This study examined how college students' gender and prior participation in esports affect their perceptions of esports and esports academic programs. After collecting data from college students (N = 162), data were analyzed using 2 × 2 factorial analysis of variance to compare the influence of esports participation, gender, and the interaction effect on perception. Both esports participation, F(1, 150) = 13.78, p < 0.001, and gender, F(1, 150) = 4.82, p < 0.05, were significantly associated with esports perception. For the perception of esports academic programs, only esports participation was significant, F(1, 150) = 5.85, p < 0.05. Men reported positive perceptions, and this phenomenon was amplified in groups with prior esports experience. The authors suggest avenues to embrace esports in higher education, reflecting the findings of this research.