Premier collegiate esports tournament to be hosted by DuPage County
From February 28 to March 2, DuPage County, Illinois, will transform into the ultimate esports battleground. The Sheraton Lisle Naperville Hotel and Scrims Esports Center in Lisle will host Midwest Battleground, a premier esports event presented by the DuPage Sports Commission. Whether you’re an experienced competitor, a casual gamer, or just a fan, this three-day spectacle offers something for everyone.
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High stakes and high energy
At the heart of Midwest Battleground are adrenaline-pumping tournaments, featuring open competitions and invitational matches, with cash prizes reaching up to $2,500 per title and a total prize pool of $10,000 for collegiate brackets. Gamers can test their skills in Overwatch 2, Valorant, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, facing off against players from across the region in an electrifying LAN environment.
But Midwest Battleground is more than just a competition, it’s a place for connection and growth. “I’m excited about Midwest Battleground because to become a vibrant esports community, we need to connect with players, coaches, schools, and the broader ecosystem here in the Midwest,” said Mark Smithivas, a parent advocate for esports. “I’m looking forward to quality time speaking with those folks, especially for my high school-aged son playing esports.”
Competitors will not only be coming in from across the State of Illinois either, with 10 states in total prepped. Around 30 high schools in total will be sending at least one competitor to the Battleground in DuPage County.
Beyond the competition: Education and networking
Esports isn’t just about playing, it’s about learning. Attendees can participate in interactive workshops and panels covering topics like building a personal gaming PC, improving Minecraft strategies, and insights from top esports coaches. These sessions provide valuable knowledge for both newcomers and seasoned players, while also giving coaches and educators a platform to share their experiences and expertise.
For IHSEA Chairperson of the Board of Directors Ben Bruce, the event is a game-changer for high school and collegiate esports. “By supporting high school and collegiate competitions, Midwest Battleground is going to be an amazing opportunity for IHSEA students to get a glimpse into the world of collegiate esports and provide meaningful networking opportunities for our coaches.”
A gateway to collegiate esports
One of the most exciting aspects of Midwest Battleground is its role in bridging high school esports with collegiate opportunities. With a dedicated college fair attached to the event, students will have the chance to meet representatives from collegiate esports programs, making it a crucial stop for any aspiring college-level player.
“LAN events like this are excellent ways to bring players together to give them an experience that goes beyond competition,” said Dr. Joey Gawrysiak, executive director of esports at Syracuse University. “In-person events and travel give us the chance to look for the next generation of students and are important for the growth of esports in education to ensure that we are giving our players, coaches, and staff opportunities they would not otherwise get.”
One standout panel, which will focus on scholastic esports, will be the “Value of Esports” session, presented by the North America Scholastic Esports Federation. This workshop will explore the benefits of esports for students, sharing real-life examples and hard data that demonstrate how competitive gaming can improve grades, attendance, and social-emotional skills.
On the competitive side, the event also serves as a proving ground for teams looking to play at a higher level.
“Last year’s event was a great opportunity for our students to attend a LAN and represent our esports program,” said Jeffrey Fricke-Waters, esports coordinator at DePaul University. “Our students want these in-person opportunities to come as a team, and I am extremely grateful that this tournament is an opportunity to do just that. These types of events help our students work towards something and give them a drive for their practices and being a part of something larger.”
The price of admission is worth it to watch or discover esports
For those who prefer to watch this esports action unfold, Midwest Battleground offers spectator passes at affordable rates. Single-day admission is $15, while a three-day pass is available for $25 per person. Families can also take advantage of a special $40 three-day pass, which covers an adult and up to four children under the age of 17. This is a great opportunity for esports fans to enjoy high-quality gaming, and for those interested, to discover why this is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
Midwest Battleground promises to be a landmark event in the United States esports scene. Get ready to game, connect, and level up in DuPage County.
By Christopher D. Silbernagel
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Header image: Smash Crew 4v4 Invitational Winners Michigan State University celebrate their victory, going 8-0 to claim the top prize. Photo courtesy of Kyle Miller on behalf of the DuPage Sports Commission.
