UM's Grizzly Esports Achieves National Triumph

A remarkable milestone has been achieved by the University of Montana’s Grizzly Esports program, as its League of Legends team clinched a national championship title. This victory marks a historic moment for the university, highlighting the dedication and teamwork of the players involved in this strategic multiplayer game. With over 120 million monthly users globally, League of Legends challenges teams to strategically collaborate and outwit opponents by destroying their bases.

The championship took place on May 6 under the auspices of the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC), which hosts competitions for 500 colleges nationwide. According to Cale Patenaude, the assistant director of UM esports, this is the first time the program has reached such heights at a national level. The team remained undefeated throughout the regular season and playoffs, earning them a spot in the nationals. Remarkably, they competed from the comfort of UM’s Esports Arena, streaming all matches live on their Twitch channel. Their success was attributed to effective communication, mutual support, and leveraging individual strengths while mitigating weaknesses.

This achievement underscores the value of teamwork and resilience. The program emphasizes fostering a supportive community among gamers, promoting academic excellence, and encouraging students to help one another. Beyond gaming, Grizzly Esports contributes positively to society through charitable fundraising efforts. Additionally, the organization annually awards $1,000 scholarships to 50 UM students across various grade levels. Such accomplishments reflect the broader impact of esports programs, proving that nurturing talent and building communities can lead to extraordinary results. As Dean Klakken, the student captain, noted, focusing on collaboration rather than individual mistakes was key to their success, demonstrating how shared goals can unite people towards greatness.