E-Sports

Thompson, Pelham win esports state titles, Calera Rocket League finishes runner-up – Shelby County Reporter

Thompson, Pelham win esports state titles, Calera Rocket League finishes runner-up Published 1:48 pm Thursday, May 1, 2025 Pelham’s Xavier Merchant won the school’s first esports state championship in Madden NFL 25 while Thompson’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team The Admirals also took a state title and Calera’s Rocket League Blue team finished runner-up. (Contributed/David […]

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1 month ago

May 1, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Thompson, Pelham win esports state titles, Calera Rocket League finishes runner-up

Published 1:48 pm Thursday, May 1, 2025

: Pelham’s Xavier Merchant won the school’s first esports state championship in Madden NFL 25 while Thompson’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team The Admirals also took a state title and Calera’s Rocket League Blue team finished runner-up. (Contributed/David Holtsford and AHSAA)

By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

MONTGOMERY – It was a banner day for local esports programs as they took the stage at Huntingdon College’s auditorium to compete against other top gamers in the state, and the Thompson Warriors and Pelham Panthers took home top honors.

Pelham won its first esports state title in program history when Xavier Merchant won the Madden NFL 25 championship and Thompson took home its sixth title across multiple games thanks to its Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team The Admirals’ win on Tuesday, April 29.

Merchant took the stage to represent Pelham against Bob Jones’ Corey Robinson, the defending state champion. The two battled it out in a best-of-three series in the latest edition of Madden NFL to decide a spring 2025 champion.

Merchant chose to play as the Baltimore Ravens while Robinson selected the Buffalo Bills, and Merchant took a 20-10 victory in game one to take a 1-0 series lead.

After that, the two engaged in an even tighter second game of the series, and in the end, Merchant won 27-24 to sweep the series and earn the state title.

Merchant is coached by Spencer Stone, who was formerly Thompson’s esports coach before he moved to Pelham to help the school win its first esports title.

His former program proved to be just fine as it secured the championship in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Coach Cole Pruitt guided his team of Gavin Martin, Luke Shields and captain Hayes Paganelli against rival Hoover in the finals.

Each player competed in a best-of-three game of three stocks with a seven-minute time limit to decide the winner of each set. The first team to win three sets took the championship in a best-of-five series.

The first game saw Martin go against Hoover’s Parker Sims, with Martin selecting Fox and Sims choosing Kazuya. Martin won the first game at Pokemon Stadium 2 to take the 1-0 set lead before closing out the set with a victory on Kalos Pokemon League.

Shields then faced off against Rehan Jiwani in the second set. Shields used Steve to defeat Sephiroth on Small Battlefield in game one before earning the win on regular Battlefield for the second game to sweep the series and take a 2-0 match lead.

Paganelli stepped up for the third set with a chance to close out the match against Chase Gaston. With Paganelli choosing Samus and Gaston using Bayonetta, the Warriors captain won game one at Town & City before Hoover won game two at Battlefield.

Gaston took the game three tiebreaker for the Bucs on Kalos Pokemon League to extend the match to a fourth set.

Shields and Jiwani rematched in the fourth set with the same characters as the second set on Small Battlefield. Just like the second set, Shields secured wins in both game one and two to sweep the fourth set and take the state title with a 3-1 series win.

Calera also took the stage for the first time in Rocket League but matched up with the biggest dynasty in Alabama high school esports–BJHS Fusion from Bob Jones High School.

With coach Colin Miller’s Blue team of Blake Williamson, Christian Ritchey and Brayden Myers taking the stage, they lost the first game of the best-of-seven series 3-1 before bouncing back with a 2-0 win in game two to tie the series.

Bob Jones retook the series lead with a 2-0 win in game three and went up 3-1 in the series with a 4-3 victory in game four.

With their backs against the wall, Calera surged back with a 5-0 win in game five, but the Patriots closed out their 11th-straight Rocket League state title with a 7-1 victory in game six.

The other state champions in the spring 2025 edition of the championship were Auburn High School in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Columbia High School in NBA 2K25 and Splatoon 3.

The esports state championships started in 2019 and have been held twice a year in the fall and spring every year except for spring 2020.

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E-Sports

Beloit hosts Esports showcase for teams across the Midwest

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 […]

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8 hours ago

June 1, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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.”

Game On: Beloit hosts Esports showcase for teams across the Midwest(WIFR)

“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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E-Sports

Dates, times and matchups set for KHSAA softball and baseball tournaments

Several Central Kentucky teams to watch in both competitions LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Local high school baseball and softball teams know their foes for the 2025 KHSAA State Tournaments in Lexington. Baseball- Kentucky Proud Park | June 5-14 First time 11th Region winners Sayre will play Taylor County from the 5th Region on the […]

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12 hours ago

June 1, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Several Central Kentucky teams to watch in both competitions

Kentucky HS board wants preapproval for esports players

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Local high school baseball and softball teams know their foes for the 2025 KHSAA State Tournaments in Lexington.

Baseball- Kentucky Proud Park | June 5-14

First time 11th Region winners Sayre will play Taylor County from the 5th Region on the opening day of the tournament in Lexington. First pitch is set for June 5 at 5 p.m.

Boyle County will take on the to-be-determined winners of Region 16 at 1:30 p.m. on the same day. Harrison County plays last on the opening day at 8:30 p.m. versus Wolfe County.

The championship game is on June 14.

Softball- John Cropp Stadium | June 5-14

Scott County, who beat archrivals Great Crossing in the 11th Championship, will play Bullitt East on June 5 at 8:30 p.m. North Laurel faces off against Henderson County on the same day at 10 a.m.

Harrison County also has its softball team heading to Lexington to face off against Holy Cross Covington a day later at 10 a.m.

The title game is on June 14.

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E-Sports

USA TODAY Sports/PlayVS Super 25 esports rankings: Top high school teams since 2019

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,” […]

Published

15 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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

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E-Sports

Hyundai Motor India Limited onboards Pankaj Tripathi as its new Brand Ambassador

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 […]

Published

17 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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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E-Sports

USA TODAY Sports/PlayVS esports Super 25: All-time rankings

HSS Staff and PlayVS | USA TODAY High School Sports Esports national signing day kicks off with 11 commitments USA TODAY High School Sports and PlayVS unveil the second annual esports national signing day, celebrating the next generation of collegiate gamers. After a busy national signing day and close to the 2025 spring season, the […]

Published

19 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

HSS Staff and PlayVS
| USA TODAY High School Sports

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

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E-Sports

Barça eSports – Giantx Pride: League Champions! (3-1)

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 […]

Published

23 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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.

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