Overcoming fierce competition, the CSUDH Esports Overwatch 2 Team claimed first place in the second annual Cal State Cup, a one-day bracket exclusive to CSU campuses. For the second year in a row, the tournament was also broadcasted from the Toro Esports Academy, which features a state-of-the-art broadcast booth.
Joined by the CSUDH administration, officials from the CSU Chancellor’s Office presented the CSUDH Esports team with their winning plaque on May 6 in the Toro Esports Academy.
“Beyond getting students involved in competition, esports teaches functional skills around coding, writing, math, and science,” said CSUDH President Thomas Parham. “Students are learning those hard skills alongside soft skills in leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. That translates into academic success in the classroom and career readiness that the workforce is seeking.”
“As the biggest system of public higher education in America, we’re setting the curve by embracing esports as a strategy.”
Cesar Cedano, captain of the Overwatch 2 team, began playing esports as a student in Compton High School. Through the school’s partnership with CSUDH, he was recruited into CSUDH Esports as a first-year student. Cedano expressed his gratitude toward his hard-working teammates, as well as to his schools for the opportunity to fully embrace esports.
“Compton is a low-income neighborhood. A lot of us are really talented, and just need the chance to show what we can do,” Cedano said. “I want to thank Compton and CSUDH for investing in us.”
Kevin Buchmiller, Director of CSUDH Esports, said the Toro players are looking forward to participating in future Cal State Cup competitions and seeing who will take home the 2025 trophy.
