Harrisburg University continues to lead the industry in producing the nation's largest collegiate esports event. This year's event was all virtual - but no less competitive as teams battled for titles in League of Legends and Overwatch.  Details from this year's competition are below in the full press release. 

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

HARRISBURG, Pa. (SEPTEMBER 21, 2020) — Following two days of intense gameplay at the nation’s largest collegiate esports tournament, newcomer Northwood University Esports earned the top prize in Overwatch and Maryville University emerged as champions in League of Legends. Northwood edged out the hosts and two-time national champions, Harrisburg University, in the semi-finals, and took down heavy-hitters and defending HUE champions, Maryville University in the finals, winning 3-2. Maryville University was represented by two League of Legends teams who found themselves going head-to-head in this year’s finals, with the “A team” ultimately claiming the top prize.

Now in its third year, the Harrisburg University Esports (HUE) Invitational has evolved into the premiere college esports event, drawing powerhouse teams like University of California–Irvine, Grand View University and Columbia College. This year, Harrisburg University partnered with leading esports media company Inven Global to expand the festivities into four days of educational seminars, networking with peers and industry leaders and competitive gameplay. The tournament was, once again, powered by Nerd Street Gamers to help ensure competitive integrity over the two-day virtual event.

For the first time, Harrisburg University (HU) and Maryville did not meet head to head in the Overwatch finals. Instead, Michigan-based Northwood University came into the tournament with hopes of proving themselves, ultimately claiming their piece of the $20,000 cash prize. Their head coach, Cody Elson, tweeted, “So proud of this team. The freshman dream team makes a massive statement winning the first Major event of the year.”

Maryville’s road to the League of Legends finals went nearly uncontested, until they suffered their first loss battling Illinois Wesleyan University in the quarter finals. The A team squeaked out the win eventually boasting a 2 -1 lead that eventually took them to win the championship title.

“I feel so much pride watching everyone come together and keep this event growing, in spite of a challenging year,” said Chad Smeltz, HU Director of Esports. “You can’t stop HUE. The success this year is proof this event, and our program, will only keep getting stronger.”

The two-day tournament matched teams in pool play elimination rounds beginning on September 19, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals and finals on September 20. Games were livestreamed with commentary from some of the industry’s most influential casters, and reached 15,000 live viewers. Livestreams of the games are available at twitch.tv/harrisburguniversity.

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About Harrisburg University Esports                                                          

Harrisburg University’s Esports Program is the university’s first and only varsity sport. The varsity team competes in some of the most popular esports games around the world, including League of Legends and Overwatch. Team members practice and contend in a state-of-the-art facility and receive full scholarships. HU’s Overwatch players are back-to-back Collegiate National Champions, and the HU Storm was named the 2019 Tempest Award Winner for Best Collegiate Esports Program. For more information, visit hustorm.gg or follow the University on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can watch the team live on Twitch.

About HUE

The Harrisburg University Esports Invitational (HUE) is the largest annual collegiate esports tournament in North America. Hosted by Harrisburg University and powered by Nerd Street Gamers, HUE brings together over 60 teams from colleges across the continent to battle for the Championship titles in Overwatch and League of Legends and a cash prize. For 2020, HUE will be completely virtual and streamed via HU’s twitch channel. For more information, visit HUEinvitational.com.