Chippewa Valley Times

On May 1, 2024, the University of Wisconsin-Stout's esports team achieved a remarkable feat by emerging as the state collegiate champion in Valorant, a popular competitive video game. The Blue Devils' Valorant squad displayed exceptional skills and teamwork as they secured a decisive victory over UW-Madison Red in the best-of-five Grand Final, winning with scores of 13-5, 13-5, and 13-1.

Coach Aaron Froelich, who has been leading UW-Stout's esports program since summer 2023, commended the team for their dedication and hard work throughout the season. Froelich expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "This Valorant team has put in a ton of work during the school year."

The team's success in the championship marked a significant improvement from their third-place finish in the previous state event. Froelich highlighted the team's growth and determination, emphasizing their focus on achieving victory, saying, "Our players were composed and focused on one thing, winning."

Noah Filtz, a key member of the Blue Devils' Valorant team, was honored with the title of tournament co-most valuable player for his outstanding contributions. Alongside Filtz, the team comprised talented individuals such as Em Humphrey, JJ Hanson, Nathan Lenz, and Hoang Dang, who played crucial roles in securing the championship title.

UW-Stout's success in esports is a testament to the university's commitment to fostering talent and innovation in the gaming industry. With a strong foundation in game design, development, and computer science programs, UW-Stout has established itself as a leader in esports since 2020.

Valorant Coach Tobey Riedmann, a student at UW-Stout pursuing an esports coaching minor, also played a pivotal role in guiding the team to victory. Riedmann's expertise and dedication contributed significantly to the team's undefeated run in the state collegiate tournament.

The achievement of UW-Stout's Valorant team not only highlights their skills and strategic gameplay but also underscores the university's ongoing support for competitive gaming and esports development.