Wichita State University Esports wrapped up its fall 2023 season on a high note by securing victory in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) National Championship in Valorant in a virtual showdown.
The playoff journey featured notable triumphs against the University of Albany, Cumberland University, Pace University, and culminated in a final clash with Siena Heights University, securing the championship title. Key players instrumental in this achievement included Truman Nguyen, Tyson Nguyen, McKaleb Unruh, Caleb Allen, and Kevin Nguyen, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the competition.
Contested online in the game Valorant by Riot Games, the ECAC National Championship served as a rigorous test for WSU esports. The ECAC, traditionally an NCAA conference, added an esports-specific branch a few years ago, encompassing conferences across multiple games.
The significance of this championship victory is profound for Wichita State's esports program. The triumph is a fitting conclusion to a challenging season for both rookie and veteran players who united this semester. This victory not only affirms their dedication and hard work but also underscores the program's upward trajectory. Notably, Wichita State's Valorant team had previously secured the ECAC championship in the spring of 2022, establishing a consistent legacy of excellence.
In addition to securing the Valorant championship, WSU teams demonstrated strong performances across various esports titles, clinching third place in Call of Duty, fourth in SSBU, fourth in Rocket League, and an additional fourth-place finish in Rocket League JV.
Looking ahead, Wichita State's esports fans can anticipate more exciting competitions as the team prepares to resume action in late January with the NACE Starleague conference, hosted by the National Association of Collegiate Esports.
Reflecting on the team's success, Travis Yang, Wichita State esports director, stated, "Wichita State Valorant finishes their season strong with an ECAC championship! Not only is this their second ECAC championship, but they did it with a new group of students. We couldn't be happier and look forward to seeing this roster continue to find success." This achievement not only emphasizes the team's resilience but also positions them for continued success in the dynamic world of collegiate esports.