By: Kellen Gormley
Mines Esports concluded the fall semester with an exhilarating championship weekend, where their League of Legends Varsity, League of Legends Junior Varsity, and Rainbow Six Siege Varsity teams competed in their respective Grand Finals. The Orediggers demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience across three nights of competition, most notably highlighted by the League of Legends Varsity’s perfect season.
The League of Legends Varsity team faced Ohio State in the Grand Finals, delivering a resounding performance that resulted in a 2–0 sweep. This victory not only secured the championship title but also capped off an undefeated season for Mines, finishing with a match record of 10–0 and an impressive 20–0 in games, ultimately claiming the Ranked 2 Division Championship. In Game 1, Mines dictated the pace of play, concluding the match in just 26 minutes with a commanding 21–6 kill advantage. Game 2 saw Ohio State attempt to regain control, but Mines maintained their composure, sealing the championship in 28 minutes with a 21–15 kill margin. This achievement marks one of the most dominant seasons in the program’s history.
In contrast, the League of Legends Junior Varsity team fell short against the University of Wisconsin–Superior, losing 0–2 in their Grand Finals match. Despite the defeat, the JV squad’s playoff journey was noteworthy, having started the regular season with a 5–3 record. Their resilience and determination allowed them to secure a place in the championship match, setting a strong foundation for future seasons despite the loss.
The Rainbow Six Siege Varsity team faced a tough challenge in the Grand Finals against the University of Texas at Tyler, where they suffered a narrow 1–2 defeat. Mines entered the match with an unbeaten record of 8–0, having previously bested UT Tyler during the regular season. The series began with Mines taking a strong lead, winning Map 1 (Border) with a score of 7–4. However, UT Tyler responded aggressively on Map 2 (Clubhouse), winning decisively at 7–2, which led to a third and final map. The championship match came down to Map 3 (Chalet), where Mines reached match point at 6–5. However, UT Tyler rallied to force overtime, where the teams exchanged rounds until a climactic final round concluded with UT Tyler winning 8–7, thus ending Mines’ perfect season in a dramatic fashion.
Overall, the championship weekend underscored the rising prominence of Mines Esports, particularly highlighted by the League of Legends Varsity team’s flawless title run. With multiple championship appearances and a division title secured, the Orediggers conclude the semester on a high note, carrying forward momentum and confidence into the next competitive season.
