FOXBORO, Mass. - The NECC's first-ever LAN recruiting event wrapped up this past Sunday afternoon at the beautiful Helix Esports facility located in Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The event was the first of it's kind in the area and was a result of the NECC's recently-formed partnership with Stay Plugged IN. 

A complete list of the team winners from the event can be found below. Each team received a scholarship package worth $1,000. 

Over the course of the three-day event, more than 100 players had the opportunity to compete and showcase their skills in front of more than 20 college coaches across four titles: Overwatch, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, and Valorant. Teams and players traveled from all over the United States ranging from Massachusetts to Washington for their chance to earn a college esports scholarship.

Students showcased their skills in front of 25 collegiate esports programs from across North America.

"This weekend's Stay Plugged IN recruiting event done in collaboration with the NECC and hosted by Helix eSports was absolutely fantastic! Seeing the SPIN team work alongside the NECC staff to produce such a high caliber production was pretty special," said SPIN founder Rick Suarez.

"Having it hosted by Helix, at such an incredible facility was the icing on the cake. The real winners, however, in this were the participants. They came from as far away as Texas, Illinois, Washington and many came from New England, but they all came to compete in front of collegiate recruiters armed with scholarship dollars. The gameplay was great and the atmosphere was electric. Seeing so many students having conversations with the collegiate recruiters all weekend long was incredibly moving for me as this was the entire purpose for the event, to help create these types of opportunities."

"It was awesome to work with the entire SPIN team and the Helix crew to provide a first-class LAN event for the community. said NECC Commissioner Jacob VanRyn. "Overall, I thought this was a tremendous event and our team is even more excited for future LAN events for the players following this weekend's Showcase.”

"We're really proud of the opportunities we're offering gamers in the scholastic space and this was another example of our team's efforts. One of our goals since day one has been to help our conference's members find and connect with the next generation of players so that they are able to grow and develop their rosters, and ultimately, their programs. 

“Since our inception, it has been our goal to provide high school esports players with the opportunity to study and compete at the next level, and I cannot think of a better way to do so than by providing these types of opportunities," said Tim Edmonds, Helix Esports

“One of the consistent things we’ve heard from our programs since we started this effort is how difficult it is to recruit players,” said VanRyn. “We’re trying to help with the ‘pipeline,’ and connect high school players with colleges and universities so that players can continue playing at the collegiate level.”

Within the first 48 hours after the conclusion of the event, there was already a student that committed to a college program under scholarship. Phin “Phnx” Cook from Worcester, Massachusetts committed to Converse College in South Carolina to help start their Rocket League program. Before this event, college esports wasn’t on Phin’s radar and he wasn’t considering it. Once he attended the event and saw the potential esports provides, he was instantly drawn to Max Wood and the environment at Converse College. 

Overwatch Winners
Aaron “AAronCr1” Crabb 
Dylan “TedsCousin” McLaughlin
Matt “Platypigoose” Gisi 
Tyler “Oni/Iceman” Blair
Brennan “GET2THECHOPA587” O’Connor

Rainbow 6 Siege Winners
Aaron “oGrievous” Dame
Casey “CJay” Rasak
Sam “S4M” Wells
Vincent “Remix” Caprio
Zack “Khal” Alkhanji

Rocket League Winners
Andrew “Drey” Bugera
Marcos “Taysech” Derdomo
Valentin “WaYvee” Bogachev

Valorant Winners
Andrew “Gucc107” Gutnichen
Ashton “Frosty” Rakosk
Nythaniel “Hyjinx” Kline
Peter “Governor” No
Zach “Zekken” Arypatrone
Travis “Tdawgg” Regan

ABOUT NECC ESPORTS
The NECC began sponsoring esports in the fall of 2020. The NECC is currently sponsoring both regular season competition and championships across a wide variety of titles. The conference aims to serve the gaming community with respect and is a safe and inclusive environment. With more than 90 colleges and universities currently competing in the conference, the NECC is proud to be a positive home for the collegiate gaming community. For more information, please visit necc.gg