Esports: Northwood Earns Six National Podium Finishes at CECC and PCL Championships

MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University Esports program delivered a dominant performance on the national stage this past weekend, as six of its seven varsity teams earned podium finishes at the combined Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup (CECC) and PlayVS College League (PCL) Spring National Championships in Waco, Texas.

1st Place Teams:
Varsity Overwatch – CECC Champions
Varsity Valorant – CECC Champions
Varsity Rocket League – CECC Champions

2nd Place Teams:
Varsity Marvel Rivals – PlayVS College League Runner-Up
Varsity Counter Strike – PlayVS College League Runner-Up

3rd Place Finish:
Varsity Smash Bros – CECC Third Place

Northwood's performance at the CECC portion of the event highlighted the program's dominance across multiple titles, as the Timberwolves captured three of the four championship trophies available. The varsity Overwatch, Valorant, and Rocket League teams each defeated longtime rival Fisher College in their respective championship matches to secure national titles.

Several Timberwolves were also recognized individually for their performances throughout the tournament. Christopher "Cjay" Smith earned Overwatch Tournament MVP honors, Gwil "Creamz" Muir was named Rocket League Tournament MVP, and Benjamin "RipBenjii" Park received Valorant Tournament MVP recognition. In addition, JV Valorant player Hiram "Noble" Santiago joined the varsity roster for the event and contributed to the team's championship run.

The varsity Smash Bros team also made program history by finishing third among 24 competing schools. One of the team's signature moments came in a victory over fellow Michigan institution Oakland University to secure a spot in the Top 4.

In the PlayVS College League competition, both the Northwood Marvel Rivals and Counter Strike teams advanced to the national finals before finishing as runners-up, with their only losses coming against Fisher College.