Northwood University’s globally ranked esports team began the year with a mission: To defend its Collegiate Rocket League national championship.
Mission accomplished.
The Timberwolves defeated Bay State College 4-2 Thursday night in the final round of the double elimination tournament. Northwood reached the final with a 4-1 victory over UNLV the night before.
“The team fought hard all season long,” said Northwood coach Cody Elsen. ”What a way to end the year for Northwood Esports. We got revenge on Bay State who was our only loss of the year previously. I am very proud of everyone including the unsung heroes which is our student managers.”
Representing Northwood in the match are sophomore Aaron Cadiz from New Jersey, freshman Hunter Woitas from Arizona, and freshman Tristian Correll from South Carolina.
In Rocket League play, players control customized cars in a high-powered arcade-style soccer game.
Collegiate Rocket League, also known as CRL, is funded by Psyonix for collegiate esports players in North America. The competition began in summer 2017 with the Collegiate Rocket League – Summer Series.
In 2020, Northwood brought home the national championship with a 4-1 victory over Akron University.
Northwood’s matches were watched online LIVE by more than 50,000 esports fans nationwide and globally. The event totaled over 500,000 views over the two days.
The Collegiate Rocket League national championship is the latest in a string of titles won by the Northwood esports team this year. The Timberwolves also finished first in:
Collegiate Overwatch Fall National Championship – a true national championship over more than 500 teams, with a Final Four consisting of Northwood, Illinois State University, UC Irvine, and Bay State College
Collegiate Valorant UGC Fall Champions – with a Final Four consisting of Northwood, University of Missouri, Carleton, and University of Central Florida
Collegiate NACE/CSL Overwatch National Champions – a mid-major championship with a Final Four consisting of Northwood, Bay State, Harrisburg, Boise State, and UT Dallas
Collegiate NACE/CSL Rocket League National Champions – a mid-major championship with a Final Four consisting of Northwood, Bay State, Stockton, and Akron
Collegiate NECC Overwatch Champions – with a Final Four consisting Northwood, Bay State, Converse, and Winthrop
Collegiate NECC Rocket League Champions – with a Final Four consisting of Northwood, Indiana, Bay State, and St. Clair
Collegiate PlayVS Overwatch Fall National Champions – with a Final Four consisting of Northwood, Bay State, SCAD, and University of Utah
The esports program at Northwood is open to all levels of players, from those new to competitive gaming to established professional gamers. The goal of the esports program is to give gamers the chance to play competitively and obtain a business or STEM-related degree from Northwood University.
Northwood also offers a BBA in Esports Management that attracts students from across the country and around the world. This program provides the elite communication skills, fluid team building skills, leadership and strategic/critical thinking to in any career field. To learn more about Northwood Esports, visit our Esports website.
