The Michigan High School Esports League wrapped up its spring season this week with an in-person semifinals and championship event held at Oakland University on April 25. The state’s top teams competed on campus in four of the league’s most popular titles, while additional championship matches were held virtually throughout the week. Scholastic esports continues to grow across Michigan, creating inclusive opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds to participate, build connections, and contribute to their school communities.
Twenty Four teams representing 20 schools competed in-person in: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Valorant. Both Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate had high school and middle school teams competing.
“Playoffs and the championships are always a highlight of each season for us because you really get to see the kids at their best,” said Megan Luther, MHSEL Co-Director of Esports. “It’s exciting to see which schools will make it to the finals. We have newer teams competing against veterans and it’s just a cool thing to see.”
The in-person event kicked off with semi-final matches in each game title. Players took their places behind rows of monitors, each playing to advance to the finals.
Semi-final matchups included:
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (HS) Waverly VS Mason County Central Woodhaven VS Oscoda | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (HS Varsity) Novi VS Northview Canton VS Fraser |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Middle School) Grand Blanc West VS John D. Pierce Pioneer VS Warren Woods | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Middle School) Derby VS Grand Blanc West McBride VS Pioneer |
| Valorant Utica VS Detroit Catholic Central Dakota VS Saline | Rocket League Detroit Catholic Central VS Oakridge Dakota VS Byron Center |
Following the semi-finals, MHSEL hosted an awards ceremony, recognizing student athletes as All-State Players and Players of the Year, as well as honoring outstanding coaches for their leadership. Families, coaches and spectators packed the awards room, applauding as each award was announced.
“We’re excited to celebrate the top players, coaches and programs from across Michigan with MHSEL Esports Awards,” said Luther. “These awards are more than recognition. It’s a celebration of the talent, leadership and passion that’s powering the growth of esports across the state.”
MHSEL partnered with AndaSeat to offer a special Esports Lab Makeover Award recognizing a school with a gaming lab transformation to enhance student experience and school culture. Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, MI was awarded and will be receiving their makeover later this month.
To close out the ceremony, Luther announced the MHSEL Coach of the Year, Vincenzo Bilof of Dakota High School, and the MHSEL Impact Award recipient, Jason Watkins of Hartland High School. Both awards recognize dedicated coaches who go above and beyond to support, mentor and guide their students, while making a significant contribution to the scholastic esports ecosystem in Michigan.
This year’s event also marked the second in-person combined competition for both high school and middle school esports teams. In partnership with PlayVS, MHSEL launched free-to-play middle school leagues in Fall 2024, and has since continued to expand opportunities for younger gamers.
Championship matches concluded the day. In the end, six teams earned the coveted title of State Champions:
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (High School) – Waverly High School
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Middle School) – Pioneer Middle School
- Rocket League – Detroit Catholic Central High School
- Valorant – Dakota High School
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (High School Varsity) – Novi High School
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Middle School) – Grand Blanc West Middle School
Virtual championship games were held for six additional popular game titles. State champions include:
- Fortnite – International Academy of Macomb
- Madden NFL – Niles High School
- Marvel Rivals – Godwin Heights High School
- Overwatch 2– Novi High School
- Splatoon3 – Divine Child High School
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (High School JV) – Novi High School
Since launching in 2020 with 24 schools and 34 teams, MHSEL has grown to include 236 schools, 953 teams, and more than 4,600 student athletes – making it the largest middle and high school esports league in Michigan.
For a full list of award winners, state champions, and photos from the event, please visit our gallery.