The ÉDS Dragons hosted teams from all across the province for the Manitoba School Esports Association's Brawlhalla Provincial Playoffs in a huge tournament that brought in schools from all over the province to compete against each other. With a literal stage that hosted 16 teams of 2-3 students at a time, as well as a Main Stage that pitted one school against another in front of the crowd and viewers online, competitors and spectators alike were treated to a spectacle!
The competition was fierce as two tournaments were happening at the same time, with Brawlhalla taking center stage and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate happening to the side. A group stage of the Top 16 AAA Division and Top 16 A Division teams battled it out for a chance in the single elimination tournament. At the end of the day, the General Vanier Stingrays Grey won the A Division Championship against the École George McDowell Red Panthers, and the Gordon Bell Purple Panthers took the AAA Division Championship after battling the Stonybrook Knights Black.
With 29 of the 32 teams competing in-person at the school, the gym was packed with parents and students who were there to take part in the event. Aside from the competition, there were tables set up showcasing the Minecraft Provincial Championship escape rooms that students could demo and learn teach each other about, as well as a casual gaming area where students could sit down with students from other teams and connect with. Extra Life Winnipeg was in attendance and raised over $300 for the Winnipeg Children's Hospital, and taught students about how gaming can be a tool to connect with your greater community. Lotus 8 Esports was also in attendance offering students a chance to win a prize based on a skill-based challenge, as well as to teach students how to physically and mentally prepare yourself for competition.
The ÉDS Dragons looked sharp in their new esport jerseys that came with support from both Thom Brokerage & Consulting as well as Valley Fiber. Valley Fiber was in attendance at the event and ÉDS was able to thank them in person for their support.
Huge thank you to all our parent volunteers (Trustee Malissa Rowan, Jodi Rosenthal, Cassandra Klassen, Janine Lozie, Dayna Stone), to our student volunteers, to those who came and helped us tear down the event at the end, and to our head custodian Nancy Sinclair for supporting the event. Thanks to Valley Fiber and Thom Brokerage & Consulting for the donation toward our jerseys, to Extra Life Winnipeg and Lotus 8 for supporting the event, to Corey "Manny" Manuel for flying in to Winnipeg to host the event, and to the MSEA for putting together a fantastic season! Finally, an extra special thank you to Jodi Craigen and Robert Gregoire who commissioned and organized the season for our students, and Ryan Hrabi for doing an amazing job coaching our teams! Next season is Pokemon Unite, and more information will be shared with interested students in the next few weeks!