On Saturday, May 7 the Michigan High School Esports League: Champions Series (MHSEL) held the spring 2022 State Championship matches for three league games at Oakland University (OU) to wrap up MHSEL’s largest season to date (53 schools, 140 teams).
“It is so exciting to be able to facilitate this amazing opportunity and experience for student esports athletes statewide," said Wendy Zdeb, MASSP Executive Director. "Students want the chance to meet all the amazing players they see and play against online and they get that with the MHSEL Championships.”
The event welcomed more than 100 attendees – with more than 80 students – from across the state. Guests included teams from the league, spectators, college/university scouts, City of Rochester Hills Mayor Brian Barnett and more.
The eventful day included three intense championship games that were shoutcasted and broadcasted live by the OU Esports team:
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Northville vs. Bloomfield Hills
- Rocket League: Dakota vs. Byron Center
- League of Legends: East Kentwood vs. Bloomfield Hills
This is both Byron Center and Bloomfield Hills teams' first season with the MHSEL and they showed up to compete. Bloomfield Hills (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and League of Legends), and Byron Center (Rocket League) were crowned state champions.
“We are extremely thankful for Oakland University partnering with us on this event, to not only recognize and honor the schools, coaches and esport athletes for their performance this spring season, but also for helping us bring awareness to competitive esports at the high school level in Michigan,” said Ryan Cayce, MASSP Director of Digital Learning & Resources and MHSEL staffer. “The Michigan High School Esports League is looking forward to providing additional in-person and virtual events like this next fall for others to experience.”
Attendees not only watched esports live, in-person, but also were able to meet the OU Esports team and coach, learn about OU, take a campus tour and freeplay with college athletes and other high school students from around the state.
MHSEL started in the Fall of 2020 and is hosted by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) and the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Michigan Association of Honor Societies (MASC/MAHS) 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’s culture within varsity esports.
Registration is Open for Fall Season 2022 with Early Bird Pricing!
Written by Maggie Helmer, MASSP Coordinator of Programs & Communications