Last week, the New Mexico Tech Miners eSports team qualified and then won the prestigious National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) League of Legends National Championships. On June 15, the team defeated the University of Southern Mississippi for the national title.

The team’s journey to this victory included intense competition against top-seeded opponents like Sacramento State and the University of Louisville in the quarterfinals and semifinals.

Director of eSports Damian Banks praised his team for their unwavering dedication, passion, and exceptional teamwork. He sees this win as an opportunity to show the eSports world that New Mexico Tech is a force to be reckoned with at the highest level of competition.

This championship required victories over esteemed opponents such the University of British Columbia, Colorado College, and Randolph Macon College during the regional playoffs.

The lineup of talented gamers included Preston Kite (“Borrowed Bagel”), Fernando Flores (“Minibootz”), Andrew Smith (“Nightfall”), Abram Iverson (“Nezumi no Shonen”), and Sofia Nocua Moreno (“Fita Mwaume”).

Founded by Banks in 2019, the New Mexico Tech eSports program is home to five competitive teams across four games, including Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Valorant, and League of Legends.

Chieftain Staff Report