Championship gaming, scholarships, and a neighborhood constructed for achievement: SAU Esports continues to rise | Information

SAU’s Marvel Rivals Esports group captured the PlayVS College League (PCL) East Division Championship this spring. The win provides one other spectacular milestone to the rising legacy of Mulerider Esports, following prior championships in Call of Duty, Valorant and Mortal Kombat. Competing in opposition to prime collegiate packages from throughout the nation, the Muleriders demonstrated the talent, teamwork, and dedication which have turn into hallmarks of SAU Esports.

The championship roster included sophomores Aaron Norton, Isaiah Gravesande, and Austin Hitchcock; junior Ellie Jenkins; and seniors Kavon Maloney and Zoe McKenna. The group was led by senior coaches Ken Hammontree and Rayland Ross, alongside current SAU graduate Megan Riffe.

When requested how Esports has impacted his faculty expertise, sophomore Marvel Rivals champion Aaron Norton shared, “Esports really gave me the time to do what I love with such cool people. I really appreciate being given the opportunity to be a captain and be with these amazing players.”

For these unfamiliar with the sport, Marvel Rivals is a free-to-play, third-person, 6v6 team-based hero shooter that includes greater than 50 characters from the Marvel universe, together with Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, and Wolverine. Players battle throughout iconic Marvel places whereas using technique, communication, and teamwork to safe victory.

The Marvel Rivals championship was simply one in every of many accomplishments for SAU Esports in the course of the 2025-26 season. In the East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC), SAU’s Rocket League and NBA 2K groups each completed among the many Top 16 groups nationally, whereas the Tekken 8 group earned a Top 22 end. SAU’s Fortnite Zero Build Duos group superior all the best way to the National Championship Finals, inserting seventh within the nation.

The program discovered equal success within the PlayVS College League (PCL). SAU continued its spectacular efficiency with Rocket League incomes second place within the Central Division and Super Smash Bros. securing third place within the East Division. The Marvel Rivals Team’s East Division Championship highlighted one in every of many profitable seasons in program historical past.

SAU provides alternatives for avid gamers of all pursuits and talent ranges. Current Esports groups embrace Overwatch, Apex Legends, Madden, Fortnite, Rainbow Six, League of Legends, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, EA Sports FC 24, Street Fighter 6, Valorant, Guilty Gear -Strive-, Mortal Kombat 1, Dragon Ball Fighter Z, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., Marvel Rivals, NBA 2K, and Tekken 8.

Varsity Esports athletes at SAU compete in opposition to collegiate groups all through the United States and Canada, going through elite competitors whereas representing the University on a nationwide stage. Varsity positions are extremely aggressive, and eligible student-athletes might obtain Esports scholarships.

Students who are usually not on varsity groups nonetheless have quite a few alternatives to take part. SAU Esports hosts open tryouts every semester and encourages gamers of all talent ranges to turn into concerned by means of native and on-line competitions, ranked play, and neighborhood occasions.

Whether your aim is to compete for championships, earn a scholarship, sharpen your expertise, or just join with others who share your ardour for gaming, SAU Esports provides a spot to belong and alternatives to succeed.  Ready to stage up your faculty expertise?

For extra details about SAU Esports, scholarship alternatives, or upcoming tryouts, contact Sandra Martin.

About SAU:

Southern Arkansas University supplies college students with the whole faculty expertise in a caring setting of service, innovation, and neighborhood. With greater than 100 levels throughout 4 distinct faculties and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new diploma packages to satisfy the wants of at the moment’s profession {and professional} traits. To be taught extra about SAU, go to www.saumag.edu.