Overview of CECC Texas 2024
In the heart of Arlington, Texas, the Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) celebrated its fourth spectacular year, marking another milestone in the burgeoning field of scholastic esports. Hosted by the Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG), this year’s event, dubbed CECC Texas and presented by McDonald’s, not only crowned new champions but also expanded its influence as the largest scholastic esports festival globally. The event took place at the Esports Stadium Arlington from May 2 to May 5, 2024, with record-breaking attendance and participation levels.
Surge in Participation and Emerging Champions
This year, the tournament welcomed over 800 student-athletes from 84 teams—a significant jump from the 64 teams that participated last year. These teams competed fiercely, with 19 conference champions emerging among them, highlighting the expansive growth and increased competitiveness within the collegiate esports scene. Throughout the 2023-24 CECC season, a total of 453 teams from 255 schools took part, demonstrating the escalating enthusiasm and engagement in collegiate esports across the nation.
Championship Titles and Team Highlights
Winthrop University claimed the championship in Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate through Generation Esports, while Ball State University achieved victory in Rocket League. St. Clair College triumphed in VALORANT, and Illinois State University secured the win in Overwatch 2®, each team demonstrating exceptional skill and strategic gameplay.
Broad Support from Leading Sponsors
The event also received substantial support from several prestigious partners, including McDonald’s of North Texas, State Farm, Apple Music, Red Bull, U.S. Army 5th Brigade, and Smoothie King, whose contributions were invaluable in elevating the experience for participants and spectators alike.
Future of Esports: Strategic Announcements
Michael Schreck, CEO of CSMG, highlighted the significance of the event in his statement, noting, “By elevating scholastic esports, we empower students, schools and conferences while fueling industry growth. This is a testament to the increasing interest from brands, media entities, publishers making this the ultimate destination for the scholastic esports and the gaming community.“ He emphasized that CECC is more than just a competition; it provides structure, recognition, and numerous opportunities that help shape the future of esports.
Beyond Competition: Community Engagement and Industry Insights
A significant announcement made during the event was the collaboration between CSMG and Capcom to launch the College Street Fighter™ Tour during the 2024-25 academic year, with the finals set to occur at CECC Texas 2025 during its May Madness event. Wim Stocks, appointed as the Commissioner of the College Street Fighter Tour, brings 20 years of experience in college esports to this new endeavor, promising an engaging and competitive format.
The event was not just about competition; it also served as a platform for community engagement and industry insights. It featured the Texas High and Middle School Esports Championships, the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) championship finals across multiple games, and open tournaments for titles such as Street Fighter 6, Teamfight Tactics, and HALO Infinite 2v2. Additionally, the Smoothie King Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate Open offered a prize pool up to $5,000, further highlighting the competitive spirit of the festival.
Sponsor Spotlight: McDonald’s of North Texas
David Floyd, Owner-Operator with McDonald’s of North Texas, expressed his enthusiasm about the sponsorship, “McDonald’s of North Texas was thrilled to once again sponsor CECC and to see first-hand the incredible experience this tournament brings to the teams and fans nationwide. As local business owners, it’s an honor that our community could serve as the center of the esports world this weekend.” He also mentioned the introduction of a new delivery service, which was a great success, allowing fans to order food without missing any action.
Recognizing Excellence: ESPORTSU Collegiate Awards
The ESPORTSU Collegiate Awards took place throughout the weekend, recognizing leaders who drive the esports ecosystem forward. Awards were given in various categories, including Commissioner of the Year, Community Ambassador, Club of the Year, and many others, celebrating the achievements and impacts of individuals and teams within the collegiate esports community.
Inclusivity in Esports: Debut of the Aurora Series
Finally, the Aurora Series, supporting those who identify with a marginalized gender, made its debut at CECC Texas with the University of Houston Scarlet defeating the University of North Texas in a thrilling VALORANT match on the main stage.
As Angela Bernhard Thomas, Chief Esports Officer for CSMG, aptly put it, “The power of esports was on full display this weekend as many colleges are continuing to push this as the ‘new sport’ on campuses across the nation. The students arrived in all their team gear, the fans came out to cheer, and the brands integrated into the competition. We’re excited to continue to shape the future of the ecosystem.”
Reflecting on Success and Looking to the Future
As CECC Texas wraps up another successful year, the anticipation for the next event is already building, promising more excitement, more competition, and continued growth in the world of collegiate esports.
