wovah (Luke Long) at Battle for Indiana.
Photo courtesy of Ball State Esports.

The Fall 2024 Esports season was marked by numerous achievements and victories, including an undefeated run in Rocket League. The teams earned multiple awards, repeatedly placed in their matches, and earned prestigious recognition, including nominations for Scholastic Esports Awards.  

On Jan. 13, the Scholastic Esports Awards Ceremony was held at Ohio State University. Ball State Rocket League was honored as a nominee for Team of the Year due to their competitive excellence, volunteering initiatives, and overall sportsmanship. Additionally, esports coach Gannon Nelson was nominated for Coach of the year. Coach Nelson successfully leads multiple teams and manages three rosters all while prioritizing team and individual growth. 

Ar Muhammad Aleef (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Scholarship Recipient) was the 2024 Fall Collegiate iRacing League (CiL) Formula College Champion and won 1st Place Overall.  

Ar Muhammad Aleef, 1st Place CIL FC Champion
Graphic courtesy of Ball State Esports.

Other victories include: 

  • Kale Davidson – 2024 Fall CiL Formula College – 2nd Place Overall 
  • Ball State – 2024 Fall CiL Formula College Champions (Team) 
  • Ball State – 2024 Fall CiL Cup Series Champions (Team) 
  • Ball State – 2024 Fall CiL Collegiate SportsCar Challenge Champions (Team) 

The Esports Collegiate (ESC) Championships for Rocket League and Valorant took place at Cedar Point Sports Center in Sandusky, Ohio in 2024. Matches began on Nov. 22 and the grand finale was held on Sunday, Nov. 24. Rocket League and Valorant teams both earned 2nd place, losing to Akron. 

guh, wovah, and oath at the ESC Championships for Rocket League.
Photo courtesy of Ball State Esports.

During the Championships, Ball State esports production students also had the opportunity to lead a group of their peers from other colleges in running the broadcasting of the event. 

Tavoris Chapman taking photos at Butler's Battle for Indiana.
Photo courtesy of Tavoris Chapman.

The Valorant, League of Legends, and Rocket League teams also participated in Butler’s annual Battle for Indiana on Oct. 25 and 26. The Rocket League and League of Legends teams won their portions of the tournament while Valorant earned 2nd place.  

“As we head into the spring 2025 season, we are striving to build on our fall successes as we look to win our second ESC League of Legends Championship and second Overwatch Championship as well as our many other competitions, tournaments, and leagues we are entered in,” Director of Esports Dan Marino said.

Team photo with trophy at Battle for Indiana.
Photo courtesy of Tavoris Chapman, Ball State Esports.
guh at Battle for Indiana.
Photo courtesy of Ball State Esports.

And, in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships, the Rocket League, Overwatch, and League of Legends teams all placed. Rocket League and League of Legends won 1st place, beating Concord University and Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) respectively. Overwatch earned 2nd place, losing to Siena Heights. “I am proud of the results our esports teams had in the fall 2024 season. In August I asked our students to buy into the process and to put in the work that it takes to be among the top teams in the country. I think our results show that our students and their teams did just that” Marino said. 

OVERALL STATS: 

Rocket League: 

  • ESC: Finished the regular season undefeated (13-0) 
  • ECAC: Undefeated (7-0) 
  • Ranked top 8 teams in the nation 

Valorant: 

  • ESC: Finished the regular season 12 – 1 with their only loss happening when there was a power outage during the match 
  • ECAC: 2nd Roster in finals on 12/10 vs City College of NY 

Overwatch: 

  • Finished top 16 in the nation 
The ECAC champions posing for a victory group selfie.
Photo courtesy of Luke Long, Ball State Esports.