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University of Evansville Esports Program Celebrates Historic Competitive Season and Announces Summer Camp Return

Evansville, Ind. (04/21/2026) — The University of Evansville (UE) Esports program is celebrating a milestone semester marked by historic competitive achievements including national tournament qualifications and continued growth in student engagement.

On April 11-12, the program's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) and Rocket League teams competed in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Esports Championship Tournament against top programs from across the region. The weekend marked a significant moment in program history, as Evansville placed two teams in the top three for the first time.

The SSBU team earned a spot in the Grand Finals, the first conference championship appearance in program history, while the Rocket League team secured a fourth-place finish after a hard-fought 2-3 match against Bradley University.

Earlier this semester, the Rocket League team also qualified for the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) Spring Regional Playoffs, advancing to the quarterfinals.

The program's Overwatch team continued its dominant run, becoming the first in program history to complete an undefeated regular season in both the fall and spring semesters. The team recently competed in the NECC Spring Regional Championship, narrowly falling 3-4 in a closely contested match. With a combined 18-2 record this academic year, the Overwatch team has earned a berth in the NECC Nationals Tournament for the second consecutive year. Last season, the team captured a national championship title with a decisive 4-0 victory over Fort Lewis College.

Esports Summer Camp

In addition to competitive success, the UE Esports program is investing in future players through its upcoming Esports Summer Camp, returning June 8-26. Open to students ages 12-18, the camp offers participants a unique opportunity to develop their skills, learn about collegiate esports, and compete in events such as the Camp Fortnite Tournament.

As the program builds on the most successful semester in its two-year history, it is also seeking community support to expand opportunities for student competitors. Sponsorships will directly support scholarship funding, player development, and the program's continued success.

"The University of Evansville Esports program is committed to providing students with opportunities to compete at a high level while pursuing their academic goals," said Head Coach and Coordinator Ethan Jaworski '24. "Support from our community plays a critical role in helping us grow and sustain this momentum."

Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the program are encouraged to contact Jaworski at ej107@evansville.edu or 812-677-7301.

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.

Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT

Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer

na122@evansville.edu

812-893-5319

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