In a first for Northwood University, six Northwood Esports teams have qualified to compete at the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup, April 30-May 4, in Arlington, Texas.
This marks the largest CECC showing for Northwood, as players from six different teams — Overwatch, Rocket League, Valorant, Smash Bros., Counter-Strike, and League of Legends — will represent America’s Free Enterprise University on the national stage.
“Having six teams qualify to compete at CECC illustrates just how deep our talent pool is,” said Northwood Esports Coach Jacob R. Jacob. “This many teams qualifying for CECC is a massive achievement — but what makes us even prouder is how our players compete with heart, discipline, and true Northwood pride. They don’t just play the game — they represent our university at the highest level every step of the way.”
CECC 2025 will host over 1,500 of the nation’s top collegiate esports athletes from 300 teams representing 185 schools. Northwood’s contingent will include approximately 40 students, making it the largest group the program has ever sent to a single tournament.
“Only the most elite schools have the numbers that Northwood Esports has qualifying for CECC 2025, and a big part of that is because our players have consistently risen to the occasion,” explained Assistant Coach Aden Frosch. “This season especially, they’ve grown individually and as teams — and we’re not done yet.”
Spring Playoffs Add to Trophy Case
Northwood’s momentum heading into CECC comes off the back of a dominant spring playoff season, during which Northwood Esports earned the following new championships:
• Rocket League — Spring 25 Playfly Champion, Spring 25 NECC Division 1 Champion
• Valorant — Spring 25 Playfly Champion, Spring 25 NECC Division 1 Champion
• Overwatch — Spring 25 Playfly Champion, Spring 25 NECC Division 1 Champion
• Smash Bros. — Spring 25 NECC Great Lakes Region championship.
Additional playoff competitions remain in progress for Call of Duty, League of Legends, and College Valorant, with those titles wrapping up in May and early June.
Professional Spotlight: League of Legends Coach Signs with Pro Team
Northwood’s success has consistently translated to professional opportunities. Most recently, Ian “Ido” McCormick, head coach of Northwood’s League of Legends team, signed a contract to become Assistant Coach for Disguised, a professional League of Legends team. McCormick will continue pursuing his master’s degree at Northwood while coaching professionally.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities Northwood has given me,” McCormick said. “Coaching at the collegiate level has prepared me well for this next step, and I’m excited to continue working with our team while embracing this new challenge.”
McCormick joins a growing list of Northwood Esports players and staff who have made the leap to the pros. Earlier this year, Christopher “Cjay” Smith signed with Spacestation Gaming’s professional Overwatch team, helping them qualify for the Overwatch Championship Series (OWCS) Major in Hangzhou, China.
Four other Overwatch players — Landon “Landon” McGee, Joseph “Lep” Cambriani, Diego “Vega” Moran, and Julian “Rokit” Pizana — have also signed pro contracts since Northwood Esports’ inception in 2019.
Next Stop: San Antonio
The weekend following CECC, Northwood Esports will send six teams to compete in the National Esports Collegiate Conferences (NECC) Nationals in San Antonio, Texas.
“The San Antonio tournament is the capstone for the 2024-25 school year, with the four finalists from each semester (No. 1 and No. 2 in each season) going head-to-head to see who is the best team of the entire year,” Frosch explained.
Northwood teams that qualified for the NECC Nationals include Overwatch, Rocket League, Valorant, Smash Bros., Call of Duty, and League of Legends. Northwood will also compete in the College Call of Duty (CCL) Final Four that same weekend.
“CECC is a huge milestone — but it’s only one part of our championship season,” Jacob said. “We’re aiming for hardware in both Texas tournaments.”
For more information about Northwood Esports or to connect with the coaching staff, visit https://esports.northwood.edu/ or use this inquiry form.
