Northwood Esports defeated the top collegiate esports programs from the Great Lakes region and Canada to win the Saints Gauntlet Series Valorant Tournament, hosted by St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. In a dominant 2-0 sweep, Northwood defeated tournament host St. Clair College in the grand finals to secure the championship title.
“Our players came into this event prepared, confident, and ready to showcase why Northwood Valorant has become one of the most respected programs in the collegiate scene,” said Northwood Valorant Coach Jacob R. Jacob. “This team has built incredible chemistry over the years, and it was on full display in this tournament.”
The winning roster featured Braden “Dip” Dippel of Alton, Illinois, Micheal “Dark3st” Herrera of Wylie, Texas, Anthony “Toozy” De Leon, of Springfield, Virginia, Hunter “Furbsa” McMillan, of McLeansville, North Carolina, and Benjamin “RipBenji” Park, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Four of these players — Dippel, McMillan, Park, and Herrera — have achieved significant success together, including winning the 2022 Red Bull Campus Clutch World Championship in Brazil and the 2022-2023 College Valorant National Championship. The latest addition, De Leon, transferred from Fisher College and quickly integrated into the team’s competitive rhythm.
“This group continues to raise the bar for what collegiate Valorant can look like,” said Assistant Coach Aden Frosch. “From the start of the tournament, we knew our preparation would pay off. I’m proud of the team’s discipline and execution. They are writing the newest chapter in Northwood Valorant’s brief but storied history.”
That history includes the following global and national titles:
• 2022-23 College Valorant National Champions
• 2022 Red Bull Campus Clutch Champions
• 2022 NACE Fall Champions
• 2022 NECC Winter Invitational Champions
• 2023 Red Bull Campus Clutch Appearance, Representing The USA
• 2023 Collegiate Valorant Hub Summer Invitational Champions
• 2023 CECC Champions
• 4X College Valorant North Region Champions
• 2024 Playfly Valorant Fall Champions
Earlier this month, Northwood Esports also captured the Saints Gauntlet Series Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Tournament, reinforcing Northwood’s position as a powerhouse across multiple esports titles.
The Road Ahead
Northwood Valorant’s focus now shifts to qualifying for the 2025 Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup (CECC) in Arlington, Texas. They will compete in the Last Chance Qualifier this weekend for their shot at a national title run.
Additionally, the team will face Maryville University on March 29 in the College Valorant (CVAL) North Region Winners Finals, aiming to secure a spot in the CVAL Grand Finals on April 12. The top two teams will advance to the CVAL Championship playoffs in May.
Northwood’s Overwatch team will represent the university at the final Saints Gauntlet Series event in Windsor on April 12.
For more information about Northwood Esports, visit https://esports.northwood.edu/ or connect with Northwood Esports coaching staff through this inquiry form.
