Northwood University bested seven other universities — including NCAA Division 1 Creighton University — to win the 2025 Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) League Competition on April 11 in Kansas City, Missouri.
“Hosted by Ottawa University, the 2025 PPE League Competition is an intense, multi-round intellectual showdown that tested students on everything from economic strategy to political theory and philosophical reasoning,” explained Dr. Alex Tokarev, an economics professor who advised Northwood’s first-place team. “This remarkable victory marks a dramatic turnaround for Northwood, which finished in last place just one year ago.”
The Northwood team, comprised of Alexander “Noel” Tokarev, Barrett Tefft, and Anthony Storer, dominated this year’s competition, claiming first place in four of five events, including a commercial competition, a virtual strategy game, a one-on-one presentation on immigration, and a group phase that focused on President Donald Trump’s idea to create a faster path to citizenship for high-net worth foreigners. Northwood students tied for second in the fifth category, which encompassed game theory.
“Our students truly made America’s Free Enterprise University proud,” Dr. Tokarev stated. “They returned to Kansas City with sharpened intellects, unshakable confidence, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence — and they came home champions.”
Northwood defeated Creighton University in the final one-on-one presentation on immigration. Other schools that were at the PPE League competition included Pittsburgh State University, Ottawa University in Missouri and Arizona, and Lindenwood University, Southwest Baptist University, and Park University, all in Missouri
“What stood out to me most was that despite the different perspectives on the topic of immigration, we kept the competition heated yet civil,” noted Noel Tokarev, a student from Midland, Michigan. “Many of the students and professors from the other schools were immigrants themselves — coming from Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, and Latin America. We listened to each other’s points of view without arguments, and the rankings were tight throughout. It really sharpened our teamwork, quick thinking, and reasoning skills.”
Barrett Tefft, an accounting major from Davison, Michigan, and a decorated member of Northwood’s Mock Trial team, praised the competition’s unique format.
“PPE was a very rewarding experience with lots of fun along the way,” Tefft said. “There was a mix of intense competition and strategy games, and we had the opportunity to hear from many excellent speakers. I’d recommend this to anyone considering it — it’s an exciting opportunity.”
Anthony Storer, a double major in finance and economics from Midland, Michigan, and a student research scholar with Northwood’s McNair Center for Free Enterprise, described the event as “exhilarating and intellectually enriching.”
“The highlight was being selected for the final round, where we presented to all the schools and professors. Preparing for each event deepened my understanding of the intersection of philosophy, politics, and economics, and strengthened my ability to work as part of a team while tackling complex ideas,” Storer added.
Dr. Tokarev noted this victory shows what’s possible when sharp minds, disciplined preparation, and principled values come together.
“The Northwood Idea — Northwood’s guiding philosophy that values liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise — was on full display,” Tokarev added. “And our students showed they are prepared to lead.”
For more information about Northwood’s 2025 PPE League championship, email Dr. Alex Tokarev at .
