Condors Esports: Reflecting Back and Looking Forward
Condors Esports is now four years old! Which makes it a perfect time to reflect on our development while striving to fly higher. Condors Esports has seen tremendous growth and has become a thriving community for gaming enthusiasts – with 2000+ unique users in the Esports Hub since its launch, this has fostered a competitive spirit and a sense of camaraderie among its members.
Conestoga Condors Esports Hub
One of the highlights of our journey was opening the Esports Hub at the Waterloo campus in November 2022. This state-of-the-art facility has been a game-changer, providing the Condors Esports community a dedicated space to practice, strategize, and bond over their shared passion for gaming. The Esports Hub is proud to host over 1000 unique gaming sessions per month for the student community.
When stepping into the Esports hub, students can expect to see a state-of-the-art facility with 36 gaming computers, numerous modern consoles, exciting new peripherals to try and the occasional VR setup. The atmosphere of the Esports Hub always has a buzz of excitement and competition. The space is filled with sounds of emotional outcries, cheers of victory, and the determination of dedicated gamers. But the true magic lies in the fact that this exceptional facility isn't just limited to a select few – it's open and accessible to all full-time Conestoga students and free to access. No need to be on a competitive team or in a particular academic program – all skill levels from all campuses are welcome to explore the Esports Hub for free.
Since its inception, Condors Esports has witnessed exponential growth in our community. We offer a wide range of events for all levels of players. The events’ exciting energy and welcoming nature have been instrumental in building a supportive and inclusive community. The event lineup is constantly evolving, offering an array of experiences for our diverse Condors community. While the events may change, one thing remains consistent: they always revolve around the games our students love.
Tournaments take center stage at the Esports Hub, providing a platform for gamers to showcase their skills and compete for victory. Among the many titles that are featured at our events, Valorant and FIFA stand out as true crowd favourites. Mobile games, fighting titles, and Chess also gather passionate communities.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the Esports Hub is dedicated to promoting inclusivity. The Diversity in Esports events embody this commitment. These events are designed to break barriers, make Esports more accessible, and celebrate our diverse community. It's not just about games; it's about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to create their own Esports journey.
Overall, the Hub is a multi-functional space that serves as a Varsity Esports arena, an academic space, an Esports live-stream production site, and a social nucleus for students. At the Esports Hub, we believe that gaming is for everyone, regardless of skill level or preferences. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity shines through in our wide array of events, ensuring that there's a perfect fit for every gamer who walks through our doors.
Upcoming events can be found here: https://linktr.ee/condorsesports
Varsity Competition
Our events at Conestoga Esports are a cornerstone of excitement, however, there's a whole other realm that pulses with energy and passion - our competitive teams. We offer both varsity and academy-level teams.
This past year, Condors Esports had three varsity teams:
-
League of Legends
-
Rocket League
-
Valorant
Our varsity teams provide the ultimate battleground for those who live and breathe competition. Our varsity teams have many benefits, including professional coaching, scholarship opportunities, and the chance to compete in competitive leagues and tournaments across North America.
Additionally, we have established developmental academy teams that competed in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) or other collegiate leagues in the following games:
-
CS:GO
-
DOTA2
-
Valorant
Whether you're honing your skills to perfection or stepping into competitive gaming for the first time, our academy teams offer an environment where you can thrive.
Our competitive teams saw lots of success this past year and never shied away from the thrill of competition. Our teams participated in numerous Esports competitions at a very high level, including weekly league play in the NECC, NACE, CVAL and CLOL. Along with LAN attendance to major community events like the St. Clair “No Mans LAN” and McMaster Extra Life.
The varsity teams have consistently performed exceptionally well, competing in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) league with over 300 registered schools across North America. In the fall semester, the League of Legends team secured their spots in the NECC’s Champions division semi-finals, and the Rocket League team did the same in the NECC’s Challengers division.
The Valorant team, proving their mettle, made it to the quarterfinals in the highest division of the NECC, further solidifying Condors Esports’ reputation as a growing force to be reckoned with.
Some notable varsity results include the League of Legends team securing a spot in the bracket stage through a bye. However, their journey was cut short in the quarterfinals, ultimately achieving a respectable top 8 finish among the fierce competition. And the Rocket League squad won the group stage, advancing them to the bracket stage. Where they battled their way to the semi-finals, securing an impressive top 4 finish in the tournament.
Continued Growth
As Condors Esports embarks on another season, we remain committed to nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and providing a platform for gamers to excel.
This year, we're thrilled to announce the addition of new varsity and academy teams. With a mix of established favourites and promising newcomers, this season will surely be one to watch. We will be adding the following teams:
-
Call of Duty – will be added as an academy team as the roster is developed this Fall. Our sights are set high, aiming to elevate this team to varsity status at the earliest opportunity. While the journey may begin as an academy team, there is huge potential.
-
Women’s Valorant Team – will be added as a Varsity team. With a diverse, skilled, and passionate community growing at Conestoga, we expand our reach in the Valorant scene.
-
FIFA – will be added as an academy team. Football fans and Esports enthusiasts alike will find a place to channel their passion for the beautiful game as we enter the competition with the ECAC.
-
Counter-Strike - has risen to varsity status. This achievement reflects the culmination of hard work, strategy, and determination. Counter-Strike will now have a varsity and academy-level team.
-
PUBG Mobile – will be joining as an academy team. With a strong grass roots community and expressed student leadership, we look to prepare for the future as mobile gaming continues to penetrate the market.
As our teams continue to grow, so does our commitment to providing top-tier guidance and mentorship. We're excited to introduce the latest additions to our coaching staff - Eric Potts and Anton Sayegh. Alongside our existing roster of talented coaches, they bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to Conestoga Esports.
Eric Potts - Call of Duty
With a background as an accomplished Analyst Coach with the Boston Breach and experience in Esports program development, Potts brings a wealth of expertise to the team. His success in analyzing opponents' strategies, optimizing gameplay, and nurturing talent has garnered recognition within the Call of Duty community. Potts' analytical approach and strategic mindset align with the team's values, making him a key figure in the growth and success of the Call of Duty program.
Anton Sayegh - Counter-Strike
Fueled by his gaming passion and experience as an Esports community builder, Sayegh brings valuable expertise and an engaging presence to the program. Growing up, he developed a love for first-person shooter games and pursued studies in Esports Development, making him a perfect fit for the coaching role. Sayegh's focus is on adapting to upcoming changes in Counter-Strike, and he aims to foster a vibrant Esports community while promoting individual player growth and support.
Eric and Anton join a team of fantastic coaches who have been instrumental in shaping the success of Conestoga Esports:
-
Jake Reay - Rocket League Coach - Passionate about Esports, Jake “Herd” Reay made his dream of coaching a reality with Condors Esports Varsity Rocket League team in Fall 2022. In Winter 2023, his coaching led to a 2nd place season finish and a top 4 NECC Nationals result. Facing a team rebuild in Fall 2023, he aims to enhance communication and rotations. Known for his calm coaching style and yummy baked goods, he's eager to guide his players and elevate Condors Esports with enthusiasm.
-
Yuri Custodio - League of Legends Coach - Yuri “Blazin” Custodio entered Esports in 2019 through St. Clair College's Esports Administration and Entrepreneurship program, there he competed in Overwatch and League of Legends varsity teams, and transitioned from player to coach, leading his League of Legends team to their first championship. Joining Condors Esports in 2022, he coached the League of Legends team to a strong 2nd place winter season finish and a top 8 NECC nationals result in Winter 2023. He attributes his and the team’s success to rapid development and a strong chemistry, though he admits communication can always be improved upon. With continued improvement and effort, he is positive that the Condors League of Legends team will be a top contender in a short amount of time.
-
William Rejante - Valorant Coach – Will “Rejante” Rejante, a Seneca College alumnus, where he showcased his gaming prowess by competing in Counter-Strike and Valorant for the college teams, representing Canada in both playing and coaching roles at the Redbull Campus Clutch. Beyond college, he excelled in the Tier 2 Valorant scene, securing wins across North America. Joining Condors Esports in 2022, he propelled the Varsity Valorant team into the Top Ten Valorant power rankings by Esports Canada Post-Secondary. Now coaching the Women’s Varsity Valorant team and the Academy Valorant team, Will aims to foster competitiveness and growth within each team's potential for the upcoming season.
With an expanded coaching staff, Conestoga Esports is not just growing in numbers but also in the depth of knowledge and guidance we offer our teams. Condors Esports is looking to expand our competition ground as we enter new and exciting leagues like ECAC, and NACE this year on top of the NECC. All the teams are eager to kick off the season and make their mark.
While our varsity applications for the fall have currently closed, the door to an exciting Esports journey remains wide open. If you're eager to participate in our competitive scene, we invite you to submit an athlete application form here https://www.conestogacondors.ca/information/Condors_Competitive_Esports
As the action unfolds on the virtual battlegrounds, we are thrilled to offer a front-row seat to our spectators. Varsity games are live streamed on our Twitch channel! Tune in at www.twitch.tv/condorsesports to catch the action.
As the Esports Hub continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: our dedication to creating unparalleled experiences that bridge the gap between competition and community. We extend an invitation for you to become a part of the Condors Esports community.
To stay updated on all things Condors Esports, follow us on Instagram (cc_condorsesports), Twitter (@condorsesports), Twitch and Discord. Keep an eye out for upcoming events, matches, and opportunities to get involved!
Join the fight and fly with the Condors!
