The Michigan High School Esports League hosted its largest in-person event to date at Michigan State University’s newly renovated STEM building, Dec. 7. The Fall 2024 State Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Championships and All-State Awards Ceremony brought together nearly 400 students, coaches, and spectators for an action-packed day celebrating the best in high school esports.
The facility buzzed with energy from the moment the doors opened. The glow of computer monitors illuminated each gaming room, while students donned their school colors and huddled with teammates, strategizing before their matches.
The event featured four popular game titles: “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,” “Rocket League,” “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” and “VALORANT” — each with dedicated gaming rooms outfitted with cutting-edge technology. Matches were shoutcasted and streamed live on MSU Esports’ Twitch channels, allowing fans across the state to tune in to the action.
“The energy at these in-person events is unmatched,” said Maggie Helmer, MHSEL Assistant Director. “For many students, this is their first time competing in front of a live audience. Seeing their faces light up with excitement being on a college campus is incredible. This event represents everything we’ve been working toward since launching in 2020 — top-tier competition, community and recognition for these talented players.”
The day began with an awards ceremony honoring more than 50 student athletes as All-State players in their respective game titles. Families, coaches and spectators filled the room, applauding as MHSEL Director Ryan Cayce announced each recipient. “We’re thrilled to honor these talented students who have proven themselves as the best gamers in Michigan,” Cayce said.
Following the ceremony, the competition officially kicked off with quarterfinal matches. Players from 32 teams representing 24 high schools took their places behind rows of glowing screens, each determined to advance to the semifinals. Quarterfinal matchups included:
| “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” Bloomfield Hills vs. Richmond Ludington vs. Manistee Pinconning vs. Northview Saline vs. Portland | “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” Plymouth vs. Davison Ludington vs. Northview De La Salle vs. Novi Woodhaven vs. Saline |
| “Rocket League” Rochester vs. Marquette TBA Career Tech (Northwest Ed) vs. Dakota Jenison vs. Byron Center Hartland vs. Anchor Bay | “VALORANT” Star International Academy vs. Saline Divine Child vs. Saline Utica vs. Novi Rochester vs. Novi |
Throughout the day, the atmosphere remained electric. Between matches, players mingled with other teams, explored MSU’s facility or watched live matches unfold on large projector screens. Staffers from PlayVS, MHSEL’s platform partner, provided technical support and joined in celebrating the organization’s largest in-person gaming event.
“This is truly a testament to how much high school esports has grown in Michigan,” said Jon Chapman, PlayVS CEO. “Seeing students compete at this level in a venue like MSU is inspiring. It showcases how esports is opening doors for students in ways we’ve never seen before.”
Semifinals and championship matches followed, culminating in intense gameplay that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. “VALORANT,” featured at an in-person MHSEL event for the first time, wrapped up the day with a final match between Saline High School and Utica High School. After Saline took the first game, Utica came back to take the next two in order to secure the championship.
“This was nothing short of an awesome, immense accomplishment for the team,” Utica Esports Coach Antony Nedanovski said. “They had this [day] marked on their calendar for a long while. Playoffs were always in the picture, and they were ready … They did fantastic. They kept their composure. Ups and downs, they went the distance with some of the best teams in the state – and kudos to all the opponents.”
In the end, only four teams could walk away with the state champion title. Winners included:
- Saline High School, “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe”
- Hartland High School, “Rocket League”
- Novi High School, “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate”
- Utica High School, “VALORANT”
The event wasn’t just about competition, it also connected students with collegiate esports programs, providing opportunities to meet university players, coaches and professionals.
Since its launch in 2020 with just 24 schools and 34 teams, MHSEL has grown to 165 schools, 747 teams, and 2,600+ student athletes this season — making it the largest high school esports league in Michigan.
“We are incredibly proud of the growth of MHSEL and the opportunities it provides for students,” Cayce said. “We’re grateful to our partners, including MSU, PlayVS, MASSP and MASC/MAHS, for helping us make the fall championships a success. This event is the culmination of all their hard work and dedication.”
For a schedule of the day, award winners and photos of the event, please visit our gallery.
For additional information, visit mhsel.org.