About midwest battleground
Sports are about people. They connect, transcend, and move people in unison. Our goal at the DuPage Sports Commission (DSC) is to harness that unison for the greater good of our community. Enter esports. Gaming is huge — yet the level of support does not match the level of participation. Through DSC’s role as an event incubator, development advocate, and community collaborator, we are committed to meeting the needs of gamers and ultimately elevating the platform of esports.
Through early efforts, DuPage County has become a recognized face in the esports world. In gaming terms, we’re now leveling up, with the launch and growth of Midwest Battleground. Midwest Battleground was created by passionate sports and entertainment experts to fill the void in the competition scene. With the intention to serve and grow the esports ecosystem, the event brings together some of the best collegiate athletes, up-and-coming high school gamers, esports enthusiasts, fans, and the community through a unique atmosphere of competition and connection.
Offering athlete engagement opportunities, guest speakers, workshops, a village expo, and of course, high-level competition, a seat at this event will be on every gamer’s list. To be held annually, Midwest Battleground will build a home for players as they advance with greater access to become top esports athletes.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, DSC is not just about competition; it’s about creating positive change in our community. By collaborating with other non-profits, Midwest Battleground brings people together in inspiring ways. Collectively, we’re using esports as a force for good, building pathways for aspiring gamers and fostering unity beyond the screen.
Through support and partnerships, DSC has the ability to deliver unique opportunities that result in meaningful and tangible outcomes. Midwest Battleground was applauded by participants, parents, and coaches, with great enthusiasm for what could be achieved moving forward on behalf of the esports community as a whole. We welcome you to join us in mission and vision.
ESPORTS INDUSTRY sNAPSHOT
A market report conducted in 2022 showed that video games dwarf the market value of both Digital Music and Box Office combined.
The Inaugural EvenT
FEBRUARY
28 collegiate teams
12 Teams
Schools that attended Carthage College - WI
Michigan State University - MI
University of Cincinnati - OH
Illinois Tech - IL
University of Minnesota - MN
Northern Illinois University - IL
Lakeland University - WI
Illinois State University - IL
Marquette University - WI
Illinois Wesleyan University - IL
Saint Xavier University - IL
Coe College - IA
College of DuPage - IL
University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign - IL
DePaul University - IL
University of Illinois at Chicago - IL
Columbia College - MO
Western Iowa Tech Community - IA
Purdue University Northwest - IN
Northwood University – MI
10 Teams
6 Teams
“Midwest Battleground gives our region a much-needed event across multiple titles and the professional feel of the tournament created a memorable experience for our students.”
- Christopher Bilski Director of Esports, Michigan State University
EVENT OVERVIEW
72 Collegiate Esports Teams
Overwatch 2 - 16 teams
Valorant - 16 teams
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - 16 teams
Rocket League - 24 teams
Open Bracket Tournaments
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (1v1 & 2v2)
Super Smash Bros. 64 (1v1)
Rivals of Aether II (1v1)
Illinois High School Esports Assoc.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Crews (5v5)
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (1v1)
College/University Fair Educational Panels and Workshops
Minecraft Workshops
PC Workshop
Esports Directors Panel(s)
Value of Esports Panel(s) and more...
•
•
•
•
•
•
NON-PROFIT PARTNERS
“Midwest Battleground is a catalyst for growth in the Chicago esports community, fostering competitive spirit and camaraderie. Its impact extends beyond Chicago, setting the stage for the Midwest to emerge as a vibrant hub for esports. I left energized, seeing the opportunities for players, coaches, and parents who are building the ecosystem around esports as a new industry. Midwest Battleground will be an important destination event in the years to come for others to connect, collaborate, and grow this endeavor.”
- Mark Smithivas Director of Operations, CS4IL High school esports player parent