EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan High School Esports League wrapped up its fall 2025 season with an in-person event at Michigan State University, bringing together more than 400 students, coaches and spectators for Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Championships and an All-State Awards Ceremony, Dec. 6. The event highlighted the rapid growth of high school esports in Michigan and showcased standout talent from across the state.
The MSU STEM building buzzed with activity as students in school colors warmed up, strategized and explored the venue. Competition centered on four of MHSEL’s most popular titles — Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Fortnite — with matches streamed live on MSU Esports’ Twitch channels.
“The energy at these in-person events is incredible,” said Megan Luther, MHSEL Co-Director. “You get to experience the culmination of the hard work these players put in all season … Esports is about so much more than just playing video games. The athletes are developing leadership and communication skills, building relationships and learning how to support each other through wins and losses.”
The day opened with an awards ceremony recognizing more than 50 All-State student-athletes across MHSEL’s nine state league game titles. Soon after, 32 teams from 23 high schools began quarterfinal matchups. This season’s concluding event featured several schools with multiple qualifying teams, including Detroit Catholic Central with five teams competing across three titles – capturing two state championships.
Semifinals and championship matches filled the afternoon, ending in a breakout moment for Waverly who was competing in person for the first time. In a high-energy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe finale against seasoned contender Novi, Waverly surged ahead in a tight match to earn their first state championship title.
“Some of the best moments of the day were not just the state championship victories, but the moments when kids who could be rivals acted like friends,” said Lydia Cadena, MASSP Director of Communications & Advocacy. “To see kids laughing with each other mid-game … and watching young people reveling in surprise at their own abilities … I am so glad that MHSEL offers these opportunities to teens.”
At the end of the day, four teams walked away as state champions:
- Waverly High School – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Detroit Catholic Central High School – Rocket League
- Canton High School – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Detroit Catholic Central High School – Fortnite
Beyond the in-person finals, MHSEL also hosted virtual playoffs for six additional state game titles. Full results for all 13 competing titles are available here. Nine Michigan teams additionally qualified for PlayVS Eastern Regional Playoffs, with Ogemaw Heights finishing second in the Eastern Regional finale for Hearthstone.
MHSEL continues to grow rapidly. Since launching in 2020 with just 24 schools and 34 teams, the league has expanded to 200 schools, 895 teams and more than 4,400 student-athletes, making it Michigan’s largest high school esports organization.
For a full schedule, awards list, fall season results and event photos, visit our gallery.
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For additional information, visit mhsel.org. MHSEL started in Fall of 2020 and is hosted by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Michigan Association of Honor Societies in partnership with PlayVS. The mission of MHSEL is to provide safe, competitive, and curricular environments that allow student athletes the opportunity to build critical skill sets, explore vast career paths and contribute to their school culture within varsity esports.