April 12-13, the esports varsity teams from Michigan State University (MSU) competed in three games and left their mark on the inaugural Big Esports Conference championships. Founded in 2023 by esports leadership at Michigan State University, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, and Ohio State University, the Big Esports conference is the official competitive home for esports teams from all 18 Big Ten universities. The event showcased the growing talent and popularity of collegiate esports in the Big 10.
MSU won the championship for Super Smash Bros, beating University of Michigan in the semi-finals and Purdue in the final match. In an overtime victory over Ohio State University, MSU’s Rocket League made it to the final round and secured second place in the tournament. The MSU Valorant team made it to the third round out of four.
“Winning the Inaugural Big Esports Conference Smash Championship is a validation and recognition of all the hard work and dedication our students have shown this year.” said Chris Bilski, Director of Esports at MSU. “They earned this, and I'm so proud of everything they and our program have accomplished in our first season!”
The success of MSU's esports teams at the Big Esports Conference underscores the university's commitment to fostering talent and excellence in competitive gaming. The rise of esports as a sporting pursuit is reflected in the growing number of collegiate programs and competitions dedicated to gaming. Events like the Big Esports Conference provide a platform for universities to showcase their esports programs and for players to test their skills against the best of the best.
Learn more about esports at MSU
By Allison Eason