Illinois College Esports concluded its season on April 28 with two national postseason matches in Valorant and Overwatch, ending the 2025-26 campaign. The team was defeated in both contests against New England College and New England Institute of Technology.
The esports program’s participation in the National Esports Collegiate Conference included a quarterfinal match in Valorant, where Illinois College lost 2-0 to New England College. The team dropped Lotus with a score of 13-6 and then Bind at 13-7. Dwight Duijneveld recorded an ace on Bind during his final appearance for the program.
In Overwatch Nationals Round 1, Illinois College faced the New England Institute of Technology and lost by a score of 3-0. After a loss on Lijiang Tower, the team pushed Watchpoint Gibraltar and Midtown to close results but did not secure a win.
The Illinois College Blue Boys and Lady Blues Esports competed as part of intercollegiate esports competitions under Illinois College athletics, using the Blueboys nickname for men’s teams according to the official website. The program also reached the Grand Finals in Rocket League according to the official website and earned recognition for advancing that far according to the official website. Additionally, they secured the Division III Midwest Championship in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate according to the official website.
Illinois College Blue Boys and Lady Blues Esports operated out of Jacksonville, Illinois according to the official website.
Looking ahead, supporters will be watching how Illinois College builds on this season’s experience as it continues its involvement in collegiate esports.
