By: Colton Steiner

BLUFFTON, Ohio - After getting selected to play in PlayVS Ranked 5 - Consolation (Central) bracket in the Valorant Playoffs, the Beavers would show and advance to the finals, where they would come out victorious and bring home the second esports title in program history. Bluffton's first title came back in 2024 in the spring Rocket League season where they would knock off University of Missouri - Kansas. 

The Valorant squad would finish with a 3-4 record in the regular season, knocking off Sault College, VCU, and Rowan University. Placed in a postseason bracket, the Beavers would face off against against Western Nebraska Community College, Modesto Junior College, and Sault College. Only in charge with what they could control, all three of their opponents would forfeit their competitions, leaving Bluffton as the last team standing in the bracket, sealing themselves as victors. 

Rocket League saw big signs of improvment, despite finishing the spring semester with an overall record of 1-6, following a 2-4 mark in the fall. The Beavers showed a lot of heart in every contest, always giving their all till the clock hit zero. 

Bluffton wouldn't be without it's seniors, as Andrew Phillips (Westfield, IN / Westfield), Jarrod Roudebush (Coshocton), and Zach Rhynes (Toledo, Ohio / Start) all would play integral parts of the esports program. We thank them for their dedication and their committment to their esports teams and their contributions to the program!

The Beavers are looking to fill roles for the upcoming school year in various titles, including Rocket League, Valorant, and Fortnite, as well as looking to build teams in Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2. If you are interested in joining the esports program, reach out to Colton Steiner at steinerc@bluffton.edu.

-Beavers-