Arrows win first and second place in eSports state championship

By Jameson Thompson

After finishing the fall 2023 season, Clinton High School’s eSports team looked to improve as a team in order to dominate the spring season. While the Arrows had various results in different games, one thing remained the same: they continued to dominate in Madden. Defending champion Michael Odie returned to the team for the spring, but this season, he would be joined by a new teammate, Chad Holliday.

“I found out the eSports team competed in Madden, and I always played it growing up, so I joined,” said Holliday.

While Holliday is a new addition to the team, he isn’t new to dominating in Madden.

“I realized I was better than the average person while playing Madden 21. I would play franchise mode against my friends, and I would play online, and I was blowing everyone out,” said Holliday.

Through several months’ worth of games against different competitors across the country, Odie and Holliday tore apart their regular season competition. They finished the season ranked numbers one and two in the state, earning spots to compete in the 2023 MHSAA eSports tournament at The University of Southern Mississippi.

In the state championship, the two Arrows continued to lead the competition throughout the day, with both advancing to the championship round.

This time, they had to play each other, and Holliday got the best of Odie by winning two straight games in a best-of-three series.

Despite the championship rivalry, the two teammates said they were happy to have the experience together.

“It was fun going against my own teammate, since he is a very tough competitor,” said Odie. “It was cool knowing that we were the top two in the state.”

Since Holliday and Odie placed first and second in the state championship, they both earned a spot to participate in the national competition, which starts on May 18.

Holliday isn’t letting his newly-earned championship run slow him down.

“I also plan to win nationals,” he said.

Odie is also looking forward to the chance to take home the top trophy.

“My plan for the national tournament is to play to the best of my abilities and try to get first place,” said Odie.

Regardless of who wins, the Arrows will be looking to continue to add more championships to their eSports resume.