Full Sail Hosts NACE 2025 Grand Finals

Published May 12, 2025

Full Sail Hosts NACE 2025 Grand Finals

The top collegiate esports teams from across North America competed in a four-day finals event.

An audience faces a stage where eight competitors sit at consoles. A screen above them shows the game they're playing and another screen displays the NACE Grand Finals 2025 graphic.

From April 24-27, Full Sail University hosted the NACE 2025 Grand Finals at the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress and the Full Sail Live venue. Eight of North America’s top collegiate esports teams traveled from across the continent to compete at the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) grand finals, representing West Virginia University, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Mississippi, and more.

Many competitors sit at consoles in a large room as some bystanders watch the action. Screens display the NACE Grand Finals 2025 graphic.

Competitors battle against each other in the qualifying matches of the NACE Grand Finals.

The action-packed weekend had teams competing for trophies in six popular games, including League of Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and more.

With thrilling gameplay happening across two venues on Full Sail’s campus, the weekend of fun also included a block party with a range of activities, booths, and food trucks.

Two sportscasters sit at a table wearing headsets with competitors facing off behind them.

Sportscasters share commentary throughout the four days of competition.

Students from multiple Full Sail degree programs – including Film, Show Production, Game Business & Esports, and others – were involved in everything from staging and production to sportscasting and content creation. Additionally, two outstanding Full Sail students were awarded $10,000 each by NACE to use toward their educational goals.

Lux Vang stands next to three Full Sail and NACE staff. They are holding a giant check for $10,000.

Full Sail student Lux Vang received a $10,000 scholarship from NACE.

John Fernando Hoyos Tobar stands next to three Full Sail and NACE staff. They are holding a giant check for $10,000.

Full Sail student John Fernando Hoyos Tobar was awarded a $10,000 scholarship from NACE.

In the culmination of the weekend, the competitors from Maryville University were overjoyed to win in three out of the six games; additionally, Illinois State University won in Overwatch 2, St. Clair College was victorious in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Stony Brook came out on top in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate competition.

Four Maryville University competitors stand on a stage. One holds a trophy high over their head.

Maryville University competitors celebrate their win in the Rocket League finals.

“[Full Sail’s] partnership with NACE is rooted in a shared commitment to growing collegiate esports in an intentional, inclusive, and sustainable way,” says Sari Kitelyn, Director of Esports at Full Sail. “We’re proud to collaborate with an organization that’s focused on competitive integrity, student opportunity, and the long-term health of the ecosystem [of esports]. Hosting the Grand Finals was an honor, and we’re excited about what’s ahead as we continue to work together to elevate the space.”