Concordia Esports Enjoys Spring Conference Championship, Ongoing Success

Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. Esports often takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. Most people don’t realize that universities like Concordia Nebraska have esports teams. These teams not only offer opportunities for fun and fellowship with teammates, but may also mean scholarship opportunities for students. 

Concordia Nebraska’s esports team Valorant enjoyed particular success in the spring 2023 semester.  The team won the championship for their conference, specifically, the team was named Navigator Pacific Frontier Conference Champions.  

We went undefeated with a total of 12 wins and qualified for Navigator Nationals,” said Concordia Nebraska esports coach Ryan Hinds. “This marks the first ever championship for the Concordia Nebraska esports program.” 
The Concordia Valorant team included Ethan Cronin, Tytus Woodburn, Logan French, Tristin Kinderknect, Denny McAtee and Parker Reece.   

In addition, the Concordia Overwatch team recently placed second in their conference. This team was 7-3 in their season, finishing second in the season and fighting to the finals in playoffs.  

“Even with the loss it marks the first time that Overwatch has made it to the finals match and had a chance to take the title,” added Hinds. 

The Overwatch team included Brittney Aitken, Tristin Kinderknect, Collin Curtis, Brett Romshek and Cody Bender. 

Concordia Nebraska esports participants come from a variety of backgrounds and include a variety of majors including education, DCE, computer science, business, marketing and more.  

“We have around 20 students in of our program playing five different titles: League of Legends, Smash Bros, Valorant, Overwatch, and Rocket League,” said Hinds. “These students choose one or two of these games to play, and we run year round with our season and have practices each day. These games have two seasons: a fall and spring season. Both end with a post season with a championship for those conferences. Then, if we do well in the regular season we can qualify for nationals in the summer.” 

Not only focused on helping team members become more proficient gamers, Concordia’s esports program also helps to develop leadership and teamwork skills. These skills translate easily into a variety of vocations. 

“Whether your goal is to be a professional gamer, content creator or simply improve your skills, esports at Concordia provides a friendly, supportive and Christian environment where esports participants work with teammates to become a better gamer, communicator and student,” said Hinds.  

The Concordia Nebraska esports program competes in League of Legends, Overwatch and Rocket League, three of the most popular games in college esports. Through membership with the National Association of College Esports (NACE), the largest college esports governing organization, participants have opportunities to compete against teams spanning from the NAIA to NCAA Division I. In Rocket League and Overwatch, Concordia Nebraska belong to the National Esports Collegiate Conference. 

Are you curious about the Concordia Nebraska esports program and its scholarship opportunities? Learn more here.