Despite being one of the best programs in the nation, Boise State Esports has had its share of bitter disappointment. Fresh in the memory of Bronco fans everywhere, the loss at the MWC Showdown in 2018 to UNLV and their prolific 8-bit Esports club might rank among the highest.
In true omnium fashion, the original MWC Showdown was a best of 3 game titles. The UNLV Overwatch team was dominant over the, then famous, Boise State squad. Rocket League wasn’t even close, with the Boise State Trio of CosmoBuster, Ace, and JJSky allowing fewer points than games over the course of two test matches and the championship game. The Broncos were favored in the Championship League of Legends match after winning the test match two days earlier.
But, it was not to be.
Unable to capitalize in the first game, head coach “Doc” Haskell swapped in Llynx in the second hoping to add the spark in the Best of 3 and push it to a third, and deciding, game. While there was a blip on the EKG, the rhythm never stabilized and the Boise State squad would lose the game and the match.
This rivalry will be renewed again. As part of the Gridiron Rivals series, the Boise State Esports squad will take on UNLV in a similar omnium. The two teams will play in advance of the football game, once again returning to the three games the schools are known by, namely Overwatch, League of Legends, and Rocket League.
This time, they are adding a trophy to the mix, the winner will always keep it. More on the “Lamp” soon.
For now, fans of the Broncos should prepare for the rivalry to continue October 4th. The schools will play a Best of 7 (Bo7) in Rocket League at 5 MT, followed by a Bo3 in League of Legends at 6, and a Bo5 in Overwatch at 7:30. The Boise State Gamepants Esports Arena will be the Broncos home for the matchup. Not only is it free, but cowbells are welcome.
Staff Writer, Justin Lester