Varsity Esports Teams

Alex 'Acida' Kraus

Main: R.O.B.

Hi, I’m Alex Kraus, a junior majoring in Electronic Arts. I first got into Super Smash Bros. after watching YouTube videos of people competing in tournaments, which inspired me to give it a try myself. Go Bears!

Stephen 'Stiglord' Bish

Main: Toon Link

Hi, I’m Stephen Bish, a junior/senior majoring in Accounting. I got into Super Smash Bros. because a friend started playing for our high school team, and I picked up the game to compete with him. Our friendly rivalry pushed me to keep improving and grow as a player.

Connor 'Zippy' Gregory

Main: Bayonetta

Hi, I’m C, a senior majoring in Accounting. I started playing Super Smash Bros. as a kid with Brawl on the Wii and have been hooked ever since, playing each new release as they come out.

Finn 'Drie' Benne

Main: Wario

Hi, I’m Finn Benne, a sophmore currently double majoring in Sociology and Anthropology. I got into Smash through a close friend, who encouraged me to attend a tournament with him in 2019. Ever since that tournament, I've been hooked on the thrill of competition and have developed lifelong friendships from competing in tournaments.

Josh 'RhiNo' Bliss

Main: Yoshi

Hi, I’m Scott Merseal, a freshman majoring in Elementary Education. I started playing Super Smash Bros. for Wii U because it came with my console, but it was my cousins who truly got me into the series.

Gavin 'Nuggz' Pinkston

Main: Pit

Hi, I am Gavin Pinkston. I am a freshman majoring in Music Education. I started playing Smash Bros in 2020 during lockdowns when there wasnt much else to do, and have been addicted since.

Cooper 'MundaneFolly' Jackson

Support

My name is Cooper Jackson, and I'm a sophmore at MSU as a part of the Bear Launch program. I've been playing video games as early as eleven years old, and from an early age I adopted a competitive playstyle in any game I came across. My passion to win and improve are some of the main reasons I'm so excited for this program. I cannot wait to see the program grow and I appreciate this opportunity very much. Go Bears!

Michael 'MichaelWave' Farmer

Main Support

My name is Michael Farmer, and I’m currently a senior majoring in Chemistry. Overwatch has been my favorite game since I was young, and after playing for over 8 years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of it. Now, I’m proud to represent the Missouri State Bears—ROLL BEARS!

Hongxuan 'Buxixi' Liu

Main DPS

I’m Nathan Vo, a computer science major in my fourth year. I started playing Overwatch randomly around 2019, and I haven’t stopped since. I’ve been playing the piano since I was young and competed a lot while growing up, so I’m naturally competitive—which is why I thought it would be fun to play Overwatch for MSU. I also play some ball.

Eli 'LightMotif' Morasch

Main Tank

My name is Cooper Jackson, and I'm a freshman at MSU as a part of the Bear Launch program. I've been playing video games as early as eleven years old, and from an early age I adopted a competitive playstyle in any game I came across. My passion to win and improve are some of the main reasons I'm so excited for this program. I cannot wait to see the program grow and I appreciate this opportunity very much. Go Bears!

Ryan 'DreamSweet83' Evers

Main Support

Hi, I’m Roberto Segovia, a Cybersecurity major graduating in 2027. I’ve been playing video games since I was about 5 years old, starting with Black Ops 1. I didn’t get into Overwatch until last August during tryouts, going in blind but still earning a spot on the team. Some might call me a genius, but I’d say I’m a prodigy. Fast forward to today, I’ve made great friends through this program and now proudly represent the university in a game I just started last year.

Keegan 'Bops' Harper

Flex DPS

Hello! My name is Keegan Harper and I am attending Missouri State as an undergraduate with an undeclared major but a desire to learn and be a better person! I was introduced to Overwatch through a friend about roughly six years ago and have played casually off and on since then. I have a drive to compete in the things I enjoy and I believe being on this team is going to help me fulfill that drive while also allowing me to join a group of like minded individuals. I am excited to be a part of this program and I look forward to what the future has to hold!

Parker 'Spicii' Smith

Hi, I’m Parker, a senior studying Electrical Engineering through the cooperative program between Missouri State University and Missouri S&T. Growing up, I only played a few games, but Rocket League was the one I excelled in the most. Now, thanks to MSU’s brilliant idea to pay us to do what we love, I couldn’t ask for more. Go Bears!

Allan 'Topqz' Mitchell

Hello! My name is Allan Mitchell and I'm currently a 5th year student here at Missouri State. I'm getting my undergrad degrees in Music and Entertainment Management and I just started the accelerated master's program to get my MBA. I first started playing Rocket League back in middle school and was only able to play offline against the bots for several years. My brother later bought me the game on steam for my birthday in High School and I became addicted. Playing this game at MSU these past few years has been nothing but amazing and I'm super excited that the program is starting to grow. To be a part of this first group of players to receive scholarships is such an amazing experience and I can't wait to see what comes next.

Ian 'Dryvzz' Ziehr

Hi I'm Ian Ziehr, I am a Junior by credit (Sophomore by semester). I am an electrical engineering major and I started playing Rocket League 10 years ago and still play it today. I also play a variety of different games so I'm typically interesting in almost everything with games!

Andrew 'Andrew MSU' Appleby

My name is Andrew Appleby, and I’m a senior studying Computer Science at MSU. In 2019, I was at my neighbor’s house when he was playing Rocket League. I gave it a try, instantly fell in love with the game, and have been playing ever since.