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Last spring, the University of Arkansas at Monticello Esports League of Legends team lost in the National Association of Collegiate Esports Varsity Plus Divisional Championship match. This season, they battled their way back to the finals once again, setting the stage for redemption.

On April 20, the UAM Esports team was crowned champion in the PlayVS College League (PCL) Ranked Central Division after an incredible win over High Point University (HPU). The division also includes Albertus Magnus College, Faulkner University, Ferris State University, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Grace Christian University and Neumont University. 

UAM Esports League of Legends team members include Alexsavior Ayala, team captain and a junior chemistry and biochemistry double major from Warren, Arkansas; Jordan Berryman, a senior computer information systems major from Hamburg, Arkansas; Kersean Amir Hollis, a freshman nursing major from Monticello, Arkansas; Jimmy Lee Luster III, a freshman psychology major from Thornton, Arkansas; and Alexander Wargo, a sophomore computer information systems and mathematics double major from Warren, Arkansas.

League of Legends is currently one of the world’s most popular video games and a major esport title. The game is a fantasy-based multiplayer online battle arena in which team members select from a pool of over 170 player-controlled characters, known as champions, to compete in 5-on-5 matches with the goal of destroying the opposing team’s base, known as the Nexus. The game requires teamwork, precise coordination and strategy. In PCL, matches are best-of-three rounds, with gameplay lasting approximately 30 minutes per round.

UAM and HPU entered the single-elimination playoffs as top seeds, earning first-round byes after finishing the regular season with 7-1 records. Their battle for the championship reflected a season-long rivalry, as HPU handed UAM their only loss of the regular season. UAM Esports opened the championship match with a round-one win but stumbled in the second round. With the championship on the line, the team fought back, defeating HPU in the third round to bring home the title.

The victory is a continuation of UAM Esports’ impressive beginnings in collegiate competition. The program, founded in 2023, has already won two divisional championships. Bryan Fendley, director of UAM Esports, commended the players on their most recent championship title, stating, “Our players aren’t just winning championships — they’re setting the standard for our esports program.”

Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, commended the team, stating, “Congratulations to the UAM Esports League of Legends team for their thrilling victory, securing the second esports championship in UAM's history. This achievement not only showcases the talent and dedication of our student-athletes but also establishes our university’s place in the world of collegiate esports. A special thanks to Bryan Fendley for his vision and commitment while guiding this outstanding team. We look forward to the future successes of UAM Esports.”

UAM Esports currently competes in four titles: League of Legends, Overwatch 2, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Students have the opportunity to field a team for any title not currently offered at the university.

For more information about UAM Esports, contact Bryan Fendley at fendley@uamont.edu or 870-460-1036.