Seton Hall Esports 2023-2024 Year in Review

This year, Seton Hall's expanding esports program encountered new challenges and opportunities. Since joining the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) in the fall, the esports teams have showcased remarkable skill, adaptability, and determination in national-level competitions. The program's increasing successes, coupled with new initiatives such as tryouts and the introduction of a new team, have solidified Seton Hall's position as a leader in the esports world.

Seton Hall Esports’ achievements extend beyond competitive play and championship titles. The program has made significant efforts to broaden its reach and integrate esports into the Seton Hall community and beyond. Notably, the collaborative partnership between the Office of Student Life and Seton Hall Esports led to the creation of a state-of-the-art gaming station equipped with the latest consoles and platforms. This initiative allows students and faculty, united by their love for gaming, to engage in virtual adventures, friendly competitions, and recreational gaming sessions with Xbox Series S, PS5, and Nintendo Switches. Furthermore, the Esports lab, now even better equipped, has become a go-to spot for gaming enthusiasts to gather and thrive.

Beyond Seton Hall's campus, the Esports Pirates continue to advocate for gaming as a means to enact positive change. Through charitable fundraisers such as the SHUGSlympics, the Esports teams are making a meaningful impact on their local community.

Rocket League

The Rocket League squad showcased their dominance throughout the year, maintaining a perfect record and remaining undefeated in BIG EAST play. As the team entered the Spring 2024 season, they aimed to make history once again at the BIG EAST Conference Championship. Led by their former captain turned coach, Tone, the Rocket League Pirates displayed remarkable skill and resilience as they competed against DePaul University, Butler University, and St. John's University. Despite an initial setback against Butler in the BIG EAST tournament, Seton Hall fought back through the loser's bracket and emerged victorious, claiming the Spring 2024 BIG EAST Conference Championship for the third consecutive year.

League of Legends

Amidst a year of transitions in League of Legends, Seton Hall's team navigated player changes and welcomed a new coach. Embracing these adjustments, the team has actively explored strategic approaches and integrated newer members onto the Rift. Looking ahead to the new year, the Pirates are gearing up for further growth under the guidance of a familiar face, Jacob “Numgums” Black, who returned to the Hall in the fall as the team’s official coach. Drawing from his experience as one of the Pirates' first BIG EAST champions, Black’s leadership is poised to guide the team toward success in the upcoming season.

Super Smash Brothers Ultimate (SSBU)

The fall and spring seasons provided invaluable opportunities for the SSBU Pirates to refine their strategy and acclimate to a new league filled with talented players. Under the leadership of Noah "N0ahh" Ferro and with the addition of first-year student Abraham "CrimsonAbe" Ramos, the team embraced a culture of growth and experimentation. Their hard work paid off with a 5-2 record in the fall regular season, leading to an undefeated playoff run and clinching the top spot in the NACE Varsity Plus Eastern Conference 1. They maintained their winning streak in the spring, setting the stage for an intense conference final. Despite facing challenging opponents and ultimately falling to Stonybrook in the finals, the Pirates remain steadfast in their commitment to return stronger and embrace new challenges in the upcoming season.

Overwatch 2 (OW2)

New to the Esports program, the OW2 Pirates honed their skills and adapted to the competitive landscape of their league. In the fall, they participated in Open Plus, boasting an impressive 5-2 record and finding themselves in a three-way tie for first place. However, they were defeated in the playoffs by Harrisburg University, a renowned force in Overwatch Esports. Transitioning to Varsity Premiere in the spring brought new challenges, including significant game changes, gameplay adjustments, and roster fluctuations. Nonetheless, the OW2 Pirates are dedicated to their development, viewing each setback as an opportunity for growth. With determination and resilience, they eagerly anticipate returning stronger in the upcoming season.

About Seton Hall Esports

A leader in the field, Seton Hall has had an esports club team since 2013. Among the first University gaming organizations in the state of New Jersey to be recognized, the team has been asked by a number of gaming organizations to provide insight into the future of collegiate gaming. The Seton Hall Esports Program has played a pivotal role in shaping league-sanctioned collegiate play.

With the further integration of esports into the campus culture, Seton Hall University aims to bolster student engagement, foster a sense of community, and promote leadership development among its student body. The institution envisions its esports program as a dynamic platform that encourages collaboration, strategic thinking, and personal growth, aligning with the university's core mission of shaping well-rounded and future-ready graduates.

Categories: Science and Technology