Facing off against programs from Kansas, USC, Ohio State, Michigan State and others, the Broncos won national titles in Rocket League and Overwatch.
BOISE, Idaho — Boise State Esports delivered a dominant performance at the Power Esports Conference (PEC) Championship over the weekend, claiming national titles in both Rocket League and Overwatch at the HyperX Arena inside the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas.
Facing off against top-tier programs from Kansas, USC, Ohio State, Michigan State, Syracuse, and others, the Broncos emerged as one of only two schools to secure multiple titles.
“Our success at PEC isn’t just about winning games—it’s about proving that Boise State belongs on the biggest stages in collegiate esports,” said Dr. Chris Haskell, head coach of Boise State Esports. “I couldn’t be more proud of our players, our coaching staff, and everyone behind the scenes who made this possible.”
The Broncos opened the weekend with a commanding performance in Rocket League, defeating Michigan State 4-1 in the championship match. With an initial 1-0 lead due to a prior win in the tournament bracket, Boise State quickly extended their advantage. Led by tournament MVP Cade “Wuzy” Hall, the Broncos jumped out to a 3-0 series lead. Michigan State managed to steal a game in overtime, but the Broncos, energized by their fans in the arena, closed out the match in five games to secure the title.
Boise State’s momentum carried into the Overwatch finals, where they swept Syracuse 3-0. The Broncos started strong on Lijiang Tower, utilizing a creative Symmetra strategy that disrupted Syracuse’s rhythm. Jonathan “Clear” Foraker and Cannon “Stryder” Miller dominated with aggressive tank play and pressure on the backline. Boise kept their foot on the gas through King’s Row with coordinated ultimate usage and relentless pressure. On the final map, Watchpoint: Gibraltar, the Broncos sealed the sweep with a perfectly timed nano boost, earning the championship in decisive fashion.
Before Sunday’s finals, the PEC distributed its season awards, and Boise State walked away with a haul of honors. Dr. Chris Haskell was named Overwatch Coach of the Year, while Payton Wilkin earned Rocket League Coach of the Year honors. Hall and Foraker were named Tournament MVPs for Rocket League and Overwatch, respectively.
First Team All-Conference selections included Foraker, Miller, and Amanda “Diamonddog” Bailey in Overwatch, along with Hall in Rocket League. Preston “PRSTN” Ferrante and Emiliano “durtho” Flores were named to the Rocket League Second Team, while Valorant players Griffin “Skelesis” Applegate and Austin “Prestige” Julian were named to the First and Second Teams. Boise State also shined in the broadcast and academic categories, with Bryce Jensen, Audrey Norris, and Dallin Starnes earning All-American Broadcaster honors, and 14 student-athletes named to the Academic All-Conference team.
The Broncos now turn their focus to the CECC National Championships, taking place May 2–4 in Arlington, Texas. Boise State is set to compete in Rocket League, Overwatch, Valorant, and Street Fighter 6.
