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LATC Esports Qualifies for National Tournament

Posted on: November 26, 2025   |   Categories: eSports, News
Rainbow Six Siege Min

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lake Area Esports Qualifies Three Teams for National Tournament

WATERTOWN, S.D. – Lake Area Technical College will send three teams to the NJCAA National Esports Tournament next month after finishing in the top three in regional competition. The teams will compete in Street Fighter Six, Rainbow Six Siege and Call of Duty: Warzone, with the Call of Duty team claiming the college’s first-ever regional championship.

Head Esports Coach Bryce LeBlanc called qualifying three teams a major accomplishment for the young program. “I could not be prouder of these student athletes,” he said. “They have put in the work, balanced demanding schedules and set high expectations for our program. It’s a real testament to our program’s growth in both numbers and skills.”

The national tournament will be held online, with opening rounds beginning Tuesday, Dec. 2, for Rainbow Six Siege; Thursday, Dec. 4, for Street Fighter Six; and Friday, Dec. 5, for Call of Duty: Warzone. Fans can watch live at www.twitch.tv/latcesports, and spectators are welcome in the viewing area just outside Lake Area Tech’s Esports arena in Watertown.

Esports athletes competing in the national tournament include:

  • Street Fighter Six – Josiah Heinle
  • Rainbow Six Siege – Kaian Enockson, Garrison Steele, Braydon Alford, Conner Kjetland, Chase Gunderson, Brandon Stephens and Brandon Danielson
  • Call of Duty: Warzone – Jose Del Angel, Garrison Steele and Mason Anthony

LeBlanc highlighted the individual and team accomplishments. “Heinle showed incredible growth in Street Fighter Six. Last spring he didn’t win a game, but this fall he went 6–7 and entered regionals as the eighth seed. He then went on a Cinderella-style run to finish in the top three and qualify for nationals.”

For Rainbow Six Siege, LeBlanc said, “This roster has national tournament experience from last fall, with key additions in Chase Gunderson and Conner Kjetland. They’re well balanced and capable of beating anyone in the nation. Captains Garrison Steele and Kaian Enockson, along with fragger Braydon Alford, bring vital experience to the team.”

The Call of Duty: Warzone team has been one of LATC’s most consistent performers. “Jose Del Angel has been one of the nation’s best players this season, leading us to our first regional championship with help from Garrison Steele,” LeBlanc said. “We earned a high seed for nationals, so our destiny is in our own hands. I feel strongly about both players’ abilities and can’t wait to see them compete on the national stage.”

To celebrate the end of the season and support the program, LATC Esports will host a 24-hour fundraiser beginning 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, through 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, on the LATC Esports Twitch channel. “This event is meant to be a fun, end-of-season celebration, but it also helps promote and support our growing program,” LeBlanc said.

For more information about LATC Esports, visit lakeareatech.edu.