Recently, the New Mexico Tech Miners esports team qualified and then won the prestigious National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) League of Legends National Championships. On June 15, the team defeated the University of Southern Mississippi for the national title.
The team’s journey to this victory included intense competition against top-seeded opponents like Sacramento State and the University of Louisville in the quarterfinals and semifinals.
Director of Esports Damian Banks praised his team for their unwavering dedication, passion, and exceptional teamwork. He sees this win as an opportunity to show the eSports world that New Mexico Tech is a force to be reckoned with at the highest level of competition.
This championship required victories over esteemed opponents such the University of British Columbia, Colorado College, and Randolph Macon College during the regional playoffs.
The lineup of talented gamers included Preston Kite (“Borrowed Bagel”), Fernando Flores (“Minibootz”), Andrew Smith (“Nightfall”), Abram Iverson (“Nezumi no Shonen”), and Sofia Nocua Moreno (“Fita Mwaume”).
Founded by Banks in 2019, the New Mexico Tech eSports program is home to five competitive teams across four games, including Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Valorant, and League of Legends.
- Courtesy of the El Defensor Chieftain -
ABOUT THE NECC
The NECC has sponsored both regular season competition and championships across a wide variety of popular titles since 2020. With more than 300 colleges and universities currently competing, the NECC strives to be a positive home for the collegiate gaming community.
The NECC fosters innovative competition experiences, provides quality broadcasting services, and works to support an inclusive community within collegiate esports. The NECC was started as a way to provide the collegiate gaming community with the respect it warranted and deserved. The conference prides itself on responding to the needs of its schools, directors, coaches, and most importantly - its players.
