MVC CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO GALLERY (courtesy of Illinois State)
This past Saturday, Redbird Esports (Illinois State University's esports program) hosted the first-ever Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Esports Championships and secured wins in each of the three titles the conference sponsored.
The Redbirds emerged victorious in both Overwatch and Rocket League finals against Bradley University and Southern Illinois University, respectively. The teams remained undefeated throughout the entire regular season and playoff run.
Redbird Esports also earned a win in Super Smash Bros., defeating Missouri State University. As a result of this impressive win, the Super Smash Bros. team has earned a spot in the CECC Championships, scheduled to take place in Arlington, Texas, in early May.
“I’m thrilled Illinois State was able to showcase our gaming facilities to support and host the inaugural MVC Esports Championships,” said Redbird Esports Director David Kirk.
“The energy we saw from the students and teams who traveled to Normal was electric and an experience I have no doubt will stick with them the rest of their lives. I’m excited to take the momentum from this first season and continue to help elevate our other Missouri Valley partners to further support and grow esports and gaming on our campuses.”
In Overwatch, Bradley took second place with Valparaiso University earning third place. In Rocket League, Southern Illinois took second place, with Missouri State rounding out with a third place finish. Finally, in Super Smash Bros., Missouri State secured second place with Valparaiso taking third place.
Earlier in the month, Illinois State University was selected by the Missouri Valley Conference to host the MVC Esports Championships, the first-ever in MVC history.
Courtesy of Illinois State, Written by Jack Blahnik
The Missouri Valley Conference - the nation’s second-oldest NCAA Division I conference - continues to be a leader in college athletics and is one of the nation’s most progressive conferences, celebrating its 117th season in 2023-24. The Valley brand remains very strong, both regionally and nationally, and the great athletic tradition of the Conference remains a compelling force in recruiting student-athletes and in marketing all the MVC programs.
ABOUT THE NECC
The NECC fosters innovative competition experiences, provides quality broadcasting services, and works to support an inclusive community within collegiate esports. The NECC was started 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.
