The University of North Georgia (UNG) Esports program reached a historic achievement after securing the fall 2024 Halo College National Championship.
UNG earned a 3-1 victory over Fisher College in the grand finals, capping off a dominant season for the team with a finishing record of 12-1, as well as a 9-0 mark in the regular season.
The championship-winning squad consisted of Wyatt Gowan, Eli Huey, Clayton Poore and Dalton Ragon. Nathaniel Hehl, a former UNG Esports competitor and part-time Esports supervisor, coached the team throughout its 12-1 season.
“Everybody has their niche. This is what gaming can become,” Huey said. “This creates more opportunities for students to be involved competitively in college.”
Gowan, an Esports professional player and former world champion, finished fourth in a recent international event. Gowan was proud of the UNG victory and expressed gratitude for the experience.
“Winning this championship means a lot to me because we put a lot of time and effort into this,” said Gowan, a sophomore from Murrayville pursuing a degree in information systems and a minor in cybersecurity.
A senior from Dahlonega, Poore, working toward a degree in computer science and a minor in cybersecurity, also is grateful to see UNG “compete with some of the best universities.”
“I’m very thankful for our team,” Poore said. “It’s some of the best friends I’ve made.”
Ragon is a former professional player and a junior UNG student from Dacula. Ragon is now pursuing a degree in computer science. He hopes to work in a programming or information technology job after graduation.
“(For) anybody that has a passion for video games and competing, it’s something to pursue,” Ragon said. “UNG and Nathaniel do a great job. It’s fun, but you still get that desire to be competitive.”
Hehl, who began his journey with UNG Esports as a student in 2019, earned a degree in management with a minor in digital design and fabrication. After graduating, he remained with the program and contributed in a part-time capacity to help foster its growth.
Hehl is thrilled to witness the program’s expansion, which now boasts about 55 students – a number that has steadily increased each semester.
The UNG Esports team previously claimed Peach Belt Conference titles in League of Legends (fall 2018) and Overwatch (spring 2024). The program is now determined to build on its momentum heading into the next semester.
UNG Esports will host online tryouts for 10 different game titles during the Weeks of Welcome. Aspiring players are encouraged to join the community and stay connected with UNG Esports through its official Discord channel.
