Bethany College Esports Breaks Through on National Stage at Apex Legends Championship 

BETHANY, W.Va. (June 25, 2026) — Bethany College’s Apex Legends esports team recently represented the College on the national stage, competing in the Collegiate Apex Legends National Local Area Network (LAN) Tournament held in May at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. 

The Bethany squad, consisting of students Cyrus Chappel, Baylen Loosier, and Riley Burdett, qualified to compete among the top 20 collegiate Apex Legends teams in the nation. The tournament featured programs from institutions across the country, including larger universities such as Minnesota State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, Texas A&M University, and the University of Houston. 

Bethany finished 17th overall in the national competition, an accomplishment made even more notable by the College being the smallest institution represented at the event and the only NCAA Division III school in the field. 

“Our players competed against some of the largest and most established esports programs in the country,” said Bethany College Esports Director Todd Puskarich. “While the team would have liked a higher finish, placing 17th in the nation is something they should be proud of. We were the underdogs heading into the event, and the experience showed just how much potential our program has.” 

Cumberland University captured the national championship, but the tournament provided Bethany’s team with valuable experience competing on one of the collegiate esports’ biggest stages. The event also featured championship competitions in several other game titles, giving students the opportunity to watch elite collegiate players compete under professional production conditions, complete with live commentary and main-stage broadcasts. 

Beyond competition, the trip offered opportunities for students to network and build relationships with players and coaches from other institutions. During their time in San Antonio, the team explored the city and connected with fellow competitors from schools including William & Mary, Campbellsville University, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

“Building relationships with other programs was one of the most valuable aspects of the trip,” Puskarich said. “It gave our students a chance to showcase what Bethany College is all about while creating connections with programs from much larger institutions.” 

Following the tournament, the team reflected on both its successes and areas for improvement. The experience provided valuable insight into high-level collegiate competition and strengthened the players’ desire to continue competing on the national stage. 

“This was a tremendous learning opportunity for our students,” Puskarich added. “They returned motivated, eager to improve, and excited about the future of Bethany esports. As our first experience competing in a national LAN environment of this scale, it has only increased our enthusiasm for future opportunities.” 

Bethany College esports continues to provide students with opportunities to compete at the highest levels of collegiate gaming while developing teamwork, communication, leadership, and strategic-thinking skills.