GLENSIDE - The Arcadia University Esports programs began the 2025-26 season last week with play in preseason placement tournaments in five titles.

VALORANT

The Arcadia University Valorant team began the season facing off with the University of Louisville in game one. The Knights began on the attack, pushing with confidence and grabbing an early lead. After the first ended tied 6-6, Arcadia found its rhythm on defense and closed out the match with a 13-7 victory. Sadeeq Steed impressed in his first match with a 19/12/10 performance. In round two, the Knights faced off with Tennessee-Knoxville in other tight contest. Riding the momentum from the first match, the Knights ended their opening on offense with a 7-5 lead. Arcadia locked it down on defense, giving up just a single round en route to a 13-6 win. Vincent Nguyen led the way with a 24/10/7 stat line as Arcadia looks to carry over the strong performance into the regular season.

SUPER SMASH BROTHERS ULTIMATE

The Arcadia University Super Smash Bros Ultimate team faced Cleveland State in its opening match. The Knights got off to a slow start trailing 9-6 with Zydeek Perez taking three stocks as Arcadia fell 6-0.

ROCKET LEAGUE

The Arcadia University Rocket League team matched up with Southern Virginia in its opening match, taking a 3-0 victory. In the first match, the Knights took 7-0 wins in each game as Arcadia opened in dominating fashion. In game two the Knights faced Bowling Green, falling 3-2 in a five-game thriller. Arcadia raced out to a 2-0 lead before BGSU came storming back to take a reverse sweep.

LEAGUE OF LEGENDS

The Arcadia University League of Legends team opened with three matches, going 1-2. In the opening match against University of Michigan with a defeat. Silas Lashbrook led the way with 17 eliminations on Jhin, keeping the Knights in the fight until the very end. Arcadia bounced back against Trent University with James Donnici leading the charge on Rengar, setting the pace for a decisive victory. In match three against Old Dominion, the Monarchs earned a swift victory to close out the preseason tournament.

OVERWATCH

The Arcadia University Overwatch team opened the preseason placement matches with dual 2-0 victories against Winthrop and Minnesota State. Jack Santosusso led the charge, consistently landing crucial picks that paved the way to victory.