BELOIT, WIS. (WIFR) – Organizers of the 2025 Eclipse Scholastic Esports Showcase said it’s the first of its kind event in Wisconsin: Teams gathered from across the Midwest to compete in Beloit Saturday.

Esports are becoming one of the fastest growing competitive activities in high schools. Event organizers said Saturday’s event is a milestone in Beloit’s rise as a regional leader in tech, innovation, and the sports gaming industry.

The Esports showcase was powered by Irontek, a coworking community and tech hub, alongside the Milwaukee Esports Alliance, and the Wisconsin High School Esports Association.

The event welcomed teams from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan, all battling it out to win the title of ‘Midwest’s best.”

“Let’s go see what we can do that really hasn’t been done elsewhere around the state of Wisconsin, and so the answer to that was a showcase of this nature which brings in top talent from those Midwestern states to kind of battle against one another,” said Brandon Tschacher, the president of Milwaukee Esports Alliance.

The showcase features state champions from each of the Midwest states. The players battled in what they are say are two fan favorite games: Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

“This kind of southern Wisconsin region has been a hot bed actually of scholastic Esports. What it has shown is where investment has been made, results and progress is happening,” explained Tschacher.

The event also welcomed universities so players could meet and interact with schools who can take their gaming to the next level.

Tournament competitor Joseph Watzka said he has been gaming most of his life and has created a rather ‘smashing’ resume in the Esports community.

“I’m the seventh in Wisconsin for PR, I’m the sixth best link in the world,” explained Watzka.

Watzka adds he is excited for the future of Esports, as organizers say it’s one of the fastest growing activities nationwide.

“I’m really excited, I’m really happy for it, I think if a new Smash Brothers comes out it’s going to be really big, and I’m very excited for that, I just hope they don’t butcher my character,” said Watzka.

Organizers say Wisconsin is starting to separate itself nationally as a destination for Esports and giving players the opportunity to grow.

Esports events usually take place in areas like Madison or Milwaukee, but organizers say they hope to have similar events in the Beloit area in the future.

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Several Central Kentucky teams to watch in both competitions

After a busy national signing day and close to the 2025 spring season, the best of the best high school esports teams step into the spotlight.

The all-time Super 25 listed below have dominated in state and regional leagues across on the PlayVS platform since 2019, excelling in games such as “Madden NFL,” “Rocket League,” “League of Legends,” “NBA 2K,” and more.

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The esports platform is also recognized by the NFHS Network and state associations, with individual states able to crown a new official champion every season (fall and spring).

That official distinction includes tracking stats for the high school esports leagues, too, which helps highlight the best programs of all time.

With that in mind, here’s the updated all-time Super 25…

1. Bob Jones High School (Ala.)

Championship wins: 19

Runner-up finishes: 9

2. La Cueva High School (N.M.)

Championship wins: 17

Runner-up finishes: 6

3. The Science Academy of South Texas (Texas)

Championship wins: 14

Runner-up finishes: 6

4. Rocky Mountain High School (Colo.)

Championship wins: 12

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Runner-up finishes: 6

5. Shrewsbury Sr High School (Mass.)

Championship wins: 12

Runner-up finishes: 5

6. Dupont Manual High School (Ky.)

Championship wins: 12

Runner-up finishes: 3

7. Brophy College Preparatory (Ariz.)

Championship wins: 11

Runner-up finishes: 4

8. Eastern Senior High School (Washington, D.C.)

Championship wins: 10

Runner-up finishes: 7

9. Florida Virtual School (Fla.)

Championship wins: 9

Runner-up finishes: 3

10. Bishop Blanchet High School (Wash.)

Championship wins: 9

Runner-up finishes: 1

11. Clovis High School (N.M.)

Championship wins: 8

Runner-up finishes: 8

12. Edmond Memorial High School (Okla.)

Championship wins: 8

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Runner-up finishes: 5

13. Los Alamos High School (N.M.)

Championship wins: 8

Runner-up finishes: 4

14. East Kentwood High School (Mich.)

Championship wins: 8

Runner-up finishes: 3

15. WP Davisdon High School (Ala.)

Championship wins: 7

Runner-up finishes: 9

16. Novi High School (Mich.)

Championship wins: 7

Runner-up finishes: 7

T-17. Bishop Mora Salesian High School (Calif.)

Championship wins: 7

Runner-up finishes: 4

T-17. Cherry Creek High School (Colo.)

Championship wins: 7

Runner-up finishes: 4

T-19. Noble High School (Maine)

Championship wins: 7

Runner-up finishes: 3

T-19. Manzano High School (N.M.)

Championship wins: 7

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Runner-up finishes: 3

T-19. Advanced Technology Center (Va.)

Championship wins: 6

Runner-up finishes: 3

T-19. Cabot High School (Ark.)

Championship wins: 7

Runner-up finishes: 3

23. Quartz Hill High School (Calif.)

Championship wins: 7

Runner-up finishes: 1

T-24. Freedom High School (Va.)

Championship wins: 7

Runner-up finishes: 0

T-24. Timpanogos High School (Utah)

Championship wins: 7

Runner-up finishes: 0

T-24. Biloxi High School (Miss.)

Championship wins: 6

Runner-up finishes: 4

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: USA TODAY Sports/PlayVS esports Super 25: All-time rankings

Gurugram | May 31, 2025: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is proud to announce the onboarding of acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador. Known for his versatility and grounded charm, Pankaj Tripathi perfectly embodies HMIL’s values of reliability, authenticity and a deep-rooted connection with India’s diverse audience. This strategic partnership marks a new chapter in HMIL’s journey to resonate more meaningfully with Indian customers and craft experiences that move with the spirit of India. 

With a legacy of innovation and trust, HMIL has long been a household name in India. Onboarding Pankaj Tripathi as part of HMIL family aligns with the brand’s vision of strengthening its emotional connect with the people of India, while also adding a touch of star power. With this association, HMIL further strengthens its ambassador lineup that already includes iconic personalities.

Speaking on the new exciting partnership, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “At HMIL, we celebrate stories of progress and inspiration. We are delighted to welcome Pankaj Tripathi to HMIL family. His grounded persona, exceptional talent and widespread appeal resonate with the values of HMIL and our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. Together, we aim to drive deeper emotional connections with our diverse customer base across India.”

Acclaimed actor Mr. Pankaj Tripathi, said, “It is an honour to associate with Hyundai Motor India Limited, a brand that has long stood for trust, innovation and customer-first approach. My first car was a Hyundai, and over the years, that relationship has grown into something truly personal. As someone who deeply values simplicity, sincerity and staying true to one’s roots, I find a natural alignment with HMIL’s ethos. I look forward to this partnership where together, we can connect with people across the country – not just through technology, but through shared stories and values.”

This association promises to add a new dimension to the brand’s narrative, one that speaks not just through machines, but through emotions, honesty and a shared sense of purpose. Pankaj Tripathi brings with him a sense of dependability and real-world relatability that mirrors HMIL’s commitment to offering products that are not just technologically advanced, but also deeply humane in their appeal.

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After a busy national signing day and close to the 2025 spring season, the best of the best high school esports teams step into the spotlight.

Barça eSports have been crowned Superliga Domino’s champions in League of Legends. The Catalan side defeated GIANTX Pride 3-1 in Friday’s grand final of the Spring Split, held in front of hundreds of fans at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja. This marks Barça’s first Superliga title, confirming their status as one of the top teams in Spain’s competitive scene.

The path to glory was not straightforward. After a slow start to the season, Barça gradually found their rhythm and reached the Swiss Stage with a 6-4 record. There, they fell to UCAM Esports, but quickly turned things around with a series of key victories: Veni Vidi Vici (2-1), Movistar KOI Fénix (2-1) and LUA Gaming (3-1), followed by a thrilling 3-2 semifinal win over Los Heretics.

Despite GIANTX Pride entering the final as favorites, having dominated the regular season (8-1) and breezed past Heretics in the upper bracket, it was Barça who rose to the occasion. They claimed a closely fought opening game, lost the second in dominant fashion, but responded with a smart, coordinated effort in the third. With momentum on their side, they closed out the fourth game to seal the win. Local talent Sergio “Legolas” Vicente was named Final MVP, playing a decisive role in teamfights and clutch moments.

With this victory, Barça eSports finally claim their long-awaited title after falling short in two previous finals (Summer 2024 and Winter 2025, both lost to Heretics). This time, third time truly was the charm.

No rest for the champions: Barça eSports will now compete in the EMEA Masters, the international tournament bringing together the best regional teams from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.