St. Cloud State University hosted 700 attendees for the Minnesota Varsity League (MNVL) high school and middle school winter finals last weekend in Atwood Memorial Center.
A total of 12 champions were crowned among hundreds of participants in a variety of popular games like Super Smash Bros., Rocket League, League of Legends, Fortnite and more.
Jake Utities, head of esports at MNVL, said the event had a phenomenal turnout. MNVL began in 2019, and it features an online season culminating in the in-person finals. Last year was the first time the finals were held at SCSU, and Utities was excited with how the event grew on campus in year two with the addition of the Atwood Ballroom.
“It was our first time attempting to run multiple tournaments at the same time; 13 tournaments in two days … it was an incredible thing to see,” Utities said. “We like the way St. Cloud State works with us and the professionalism they conduct themselves with prep and on-site support. It’s the biggest event we’ve thrown and the highlight of my esports career.”
He was especially pleased with the thrilling conclusions to the eight high school championships. Every tournament was won by an individual senior or group of seniors who had been competing for 2-4 years but had never broken through to win a state championship. As leaders in their individual games throughout the state, Utities said it was rewarding to see them finally achieve their goals.
Over 100 high schools in Minnesota now have an esports program, and Utities is passionate about what esports competition can provide for students.
“This is about the friendships they’re making and teamwork they’re building,” he said. “About 74 percent of students in esports are not involved in any other after school activity. All of these people can find a place to feel belonging and have friends at school. As esports grows, we’re trying to improve the outcomes of our students.”
See a full list of winners on MNVL’s website. Esports are back on campus this weekend as SCSU holds their third edition of their regional competition Northstar.
