Thrilling Showdown Sees TU Dublin Retains All-Ireland Collegiate Esports Title
This past weekend, the second-ever Collegiate Challenge saw TU Dublin (TUD) successfully defend their All-Ireland Collegiate Esports championship title in a fiercely contested one-day event. Hosted at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman Campus in partnership with TU Dublin’s Esports Society, we successfully transformed the facility into a dynamic gaming venue for Ireland’s finest collegiate esports teams.
In what marked the first-ever in-person event on campus for the series, fans and competitors enjoyed a day packed with excitement, featuring intense competition across four top-tier games: Counter-Strike 2, Rocket League, League of Legends, and Valorant.
South East Technological University (SETU) took early command, claiming victories in both Counter-Strike 2 and Rocket League. However, TU Dublin fought back with triumphs in League of Legends and Valorant, leading to a thrilling countback that ultimately secured their championship title once again.
The event wasn’t without its challenges, as player delays and headset issues resulted in a later start than planned. With presenting partner Monster on hand the energy remained high as the audience grew throughout the day.
Reflecting on the event, Kurt Pittman, Nativz Gaming Founder & CEO said, “Taking our in-person event on the road for the first time came with its own set of unique challenges, we planned effectively and are clear on how we can build this further. Our family of partners played an incredible part in this success.
The feedback from the players and audience was incredibly positive and our live broadcast was one of the best yet. It’s a testament to our commitment to the continued innovation of Irish esports at the collegiate level as we now get ready for the 2024/25 Winter Semester which starts in October."
The final countback ruled in favour of TU Dublin, allowing them to retain their title, while SETU pushed them to the brink with stellar performances throughout the day. KOKA MVP awards went to the standout individual performers from each game, further highlighting the incredible talent on display.
Nikita from TU Dublin also claimed victory in the highly competitive Ri-Ra Kickeri-Flickeri competition, adding to their university’s haul for the day. After the event, Ri-Ra hosted a special gathering for players and staff nearby, allowing everyone to celebrate the day’s triumphs and reflect on the competition.
As the collegiate esports scene continues to evolve, this second-ever Collegiate Challenge event showcased the growing talent and competitive spirit in Ireland.
2024/25 Ireland Esports Collegiate Series Winter Semester registrations will officially open tomorrow, Thursday, 19 September. If you’re a student interested in representing your university and testing your skills on the national stage, this is your chance! Check out www.irelandcollegiate.com for more information.