Radford University’s esports team hosted its second consecutive Mid-Atlantic Esports Conference (MAEC) spring championship over the weekend of April 5-6, and this time, it didn’t let the championship trophy leave campus.
For the first time in its brief history, the esports squad captured the MAEC crown while competing against collegiate teams from Penn State, Mount St Mary’s, Bryant & Stratton College, Glenville State and the University of Delaware.
In addition to winning the overall title, Radford won its third consecutive first-place championship in Valorant.
“Hundreds of teams play in regional conferences or open tournaments for a chance to qualify for a spot in the top 32 teams. Think March Madness-style tournaments,” explained Radford Esports Associate Director Doug Benedict.
The MAEC win qualifies Radford’s Valorant team for the April 19 Collegiate Valorant (CVAL) Bracket online. It’s the largest collegiate Valorant tournament in the United States and is run by Riot, the developer of the game. Radford will need to beat out 28 other teams in single-elimination tournament play to reach the in-person championship in Raleigh, North Carolina.
At the CVAL championships, teams will battle not only to see who’s best; players will compete for a chance to win scholarships, Benedict said.
The Valorant championship was the third such title for sophomore Ryan So and his second in the MAEC.
“It's funny, even though my Valorant role is the Sentinel, I feel like my real contribution is bringing the energy and excitement to the team,” the business major from Fairfax, Virginia, explained. “I feel like I’m known for my constant positivity and readiness to play, and I'm always the first to celebrate a good play by screaming and standing up for them.”
In addition to Valorant, MAEC championship combatants squared off in the video games Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Radford earned a hard-fought third-place finish in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, losing the first-place title to Mount Saint Mary’s by one point.
Chase Kibler captained the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team and said the entire group deserves much credit for their efforts.
“Everyone played very well, and while we fell just short of reaching grand finals, we most certainly could've done it,” said the junior computer science major from Luray, Virginia, while giving props to teammates Brice Sallade, Michael Young, David Parker, Rylan Spearbeck, Adam Hardy and Kevin Thach.
In addition to competing in games, hosting the tournament gave Radford students unique hands-on experiences, “doing everything from photography, shoutcasting and running the broadcast,” Benedict said.
Getting the opportunity to compete in collegiate esports championships against some of the top players and programs in the U.S. “feels surreal,” So said.
“It's definitely a childhood dream, especially since my competitive gaming journey began with Fortnite at 12,” he continued. “But while this championship win is remarkable, the opportunity to just be a part of this amazing program is truly an honor and privilege.”
So praised Radford and Benedict for creating a supportive and welcoming space for dedicated student esports players.
“It means so much being able to contribute a championship to such an amazing program,” he said. “I definitely can’t wait to see what it looks like within the next years.”