KENOSHA — As the 2024-25 academic year ends, chairs belonging to the Esports Arena are pushed in, equipment is stored away, floors are swept, PCs are shut down, and headsets are neatly wrapped along the PC stations. Carthage Esports concludes its third competitive year. 

Since its inaugural Spring 2022 season under former Director Kevin Palmer, Carthage Esports has become an undeniably competitive entity. This past academic year, the Firebirds competed in several organizations, such as the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC), Midwest Collegiate Rocket League (MCRL), Midwest R6, Wisconsin Collegiate Rocket League (WCRL), and Wisconsin Esports Conference (WEC). Current Director of Esports, Robert Xiong, showcased excellent leadership in his second year at the helm, ensuring Carthage Esports continues to be an outstanding program.

Within the 2024-25 academic year, Carthage achieved greatness inside the Esports Arena on multiple levels. The first was winning a few championships across Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. The Firebirds Esports program offered the following varsity titles: 
League of Legends (Fall/Spring)
Overwatch 2 (Fall/Spring)
Rainbow Six Siege (Spring)
Rocket League (Fall/Spring)
Super Smash Bros Ultimate (Fall/Spring)
Valorant (Spring)

Second, Carthage Esports supported Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation on April 12, raising over $1,000 to support pediatric cancer research during a 24-hour charity stream. For more information on how you can help support the fight against pediatric cancer, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3ZxZFcl

Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 – Combined Records and Game Offerings

In Fall 2024, our Twitch channel streamed NECC competition from League of Legends and Smash Bros on Tuesday nights, while Overwatch 2 stood alone on Friday nights. Rocket League played NECC matches off-stream on Thursday nights and competed in a few other leagues: MCRL, WEC, and WCRL. The Firebirds finished with a combined NECC record of 43-16, highlighted by several squads making semifinal appearances, with League of Legends achieving the most prestigious season.

For Spring 2025, our Twitch channel streamed NECC competition featuring Valorant on Mondays, Rainbow Six Siege on Wednesdays, and Rocket League on Thursdays during both the regular season and playoffs. When the Nationals competition occurred in late April, Carthage alternately streamed Overwatch and Rocket League on Twitch and then showcased LoL exclusively on YouTube. Like Fall 2024, Rocket League participated in MCRL, WEC, and WCRL. Carthage ended with a combined NECC record of 54-22, led by League of Legends, Rocket League, and Valorant. 

Below is a complete list of accolades for each team during the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters:

LoL (League of Legends)
Record: 20-1
Win %: 95.2%
Division: NECC Div 8
Win/Loss Ratio: 20.0
Games Played: 21
Achievements:

Valorant
Record: 13-1
Win %: 92.9%
Division: NECC Div 7
Win/Loss Ratio: 13.0
Games Played: 14
Achievements:

Val Club (Valorant Club)
Record: 9-1
Win %: 90.0%
Division: NECC Div 9
Win/Loss Ratio: 9.0
Games Played: 10
Achievements:

OW2 Black (Overwatch 2)
Record: 24-9
Win %: 72.7%
Division: NECC Div 6 → 5
Win/Loss Ratio: 2.67
Games Played: 33
Achievements:

OW2 Red (Overwatch 2)
Record: 24-13
Win %: 64.8%
Division: NECC Div 4
Win/Loss Ratio: 1.82
Games Played: 37
Achievements:

RL Red (Rocket League)
Record: 49-27
Win %: 64.5%
Division: NECC Div 2
Win/Loss Ratio: 1.81
Games Played: 76

Achievements:

SSBU (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)
Record: 8-10
Win %: 44.4%
Division: N/A
Win/Loss Ratio: 0.80
Games Played: 18

RL White (Rocket League)
Record: 19-27
Win %: 41.3%
Division: NECC Div 4
Win/Loss Ratio: 0.70
Games Played: 46
Achievements: WEC D2 State Champions

RL Black (Rocket League)
Record: 8-12
Win %: 40.0%
Division: NECC Div 3
Win/Loss Ratio: 0.67
Games Played: 20

R6 (Rainbow Six)
Record: 2-11
Win %: 28.7%
Division: NECC Div 4
Win/Loss Ratio: 0.36
Games Played: 13

SSBU Black (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Black)
Record: 2-14
Win %: 12.5%
Division: N/A
Win/Loss Ratio: 0.14
Games Played: 16

Although certain teams outperformed other teams, that does not take into account the amount of effort every player puts into competing at a high level. We are proud of every player who represents the Carthage Esports program. Regardless of the title, each one of our students makes a positive impact on the program. Once more, we thank all of our players for a tremendous 2024-25 academic year.

To celebrate the conclusion of Carthage Esports' third competitive season and to prepare for the 2025-26 season, sophomore Andrew Czysz Jr has created a hype video showcasing various highlights from all teams.

Carthage Esports will return for the 2025-26 academic year to kick off its fourth competitive season, starting in Fall 2025. Follow us on all social media platforms (@carthageesports) to stay updated. Follow our Twitch channel to get notifications when broadcasts go live.