Paradise Valley Community College’s Puma Esports program isn’t just winning – it’s building a reputation across Arizona. From high school match ups to national competitions, PVCC is quickly becoming a destination for top student-gamers, with coaches and players alike taking notice of a program that blends competitive excellence with academics and community.
“Student-gamers are choosing PVCC because of Puma Esports,” said Ryan Stone, Recruitment Manager for Puma Esports, and outgoing chair of the English Division.
That momentum is visible both on and off the screen. Throughout the 2025–2026 season, Puma Esports has gone head-to-head with – and defeated – major four-year university programs, including Northern Arizona University, University of Southern California, Grand Canyon University, and New Mexico State University. In March, PVCC’s Overwatch 2 varsity team defeated NAU, while the Marvel Rivals varsity team secured a dominant win over USC.
It’s a level of competition rarely seen at the community college level.
“Many of our players choose PVCC over other higher-education options because of the esports program,” Stone said. “They put in the work, both academically and competitively, and represent our college at a very high level.”
Behind the wins is a culture built around four pillars: Community, Cognition, Competition, Collaboration.
“We strive to embody the heart of a learning-centered college in everything we do, from hosting tournaments for high school players, to competing in our respective games, to excelling in the classroom. That is our identity,” explained Stone. “Educators, coaches, and parents across the state are noticing and encouraging their students to attend here, not only because we offer an excellent education at a very affordable price but because we've built a gaming community in line with their students' needs and interests.”
PVCC is one of only three institutions in Arizona offering esports scholarships, and the only community college among them, alongside Grand Canyon University and Ottawa University. Students have the opportunity to compete nationally while benefiting from affordable tuition and strong academic programs.
Building a Pipeline from Arizona High Schools
A key driver of the program’s growth is its expanding presence in Arizona high schools. Each April, PVCC hosts the Sundown Tournament – a series of four tournaments during fall and spring semesters. The tournament is an Arizona Interscholastic Association-sanctioned esports event and the only one of its kind in the state. Total participation for the 2025-2026 series was 389 players featuring 24 high schools from as far away as Holbrook, Flagstaff, Parker, and Whiteriver, AZ.
Sundown has become a proving ground for top talent and a direct pipeline into PVCC’s program.“Our tagline is, ‘The best in the state meet at Sundown,’” Stone said.
PVCC students help run the tournament, gaining hands-on experience in event management while also scouting future players. This year, three of the four Final Four teams in the state’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate competition participated in Sundown.
That connection is already paying off. PVCC has recruited top players from Carl Hayden High School and Queen Creek High School, including Queen Creek’s varsity captain – all set to join PVCC’s Puma esports program in fall 2026.
The program has also built strong relationships with high school coaches across the Valley. Students from schools like Combs, Copper Canyon, Willow Canyon, and Notre Dame Prep are already competing on PVCC rosters, and additional recruits from four more high schools are expected to join next year. The program is also exploring partnerships with local school districts, including Paradise Valley Unified School District, where no schools currently compete at the state level.
National Level Results
Puma Esports continues to make its mark in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC), where teams are grouped into divisions similar to NCAA athletics.
This season, PVCC rostered 50 players across six competitive titles, including Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Marvel Rivals, League of Legends, Rocket League, and Valorant.
Five teams advanced to regional playoffs, and four moved on to the next round. Both Overwatch 2 Varsity and Marvel Rivals Varsity claimed regional championships, while Super Smash Bros. Varsity and JV teams also delivered strong finishes.
At the national level, Overwatch 2 Varsity entered as a No. 3 seed, Super Smash Bros. Varsity as a No. 8 seed, and Marvel Rivals Varsity as a No. 2 seed.
“There are very few community colleges competing at this level,” said Josh Moss, Esports Head Coach and Director. “The growth has been exponential! Not just in size, but in the caliber of students we’re attracting. We’re riding a wave right now, and it’s exciting to see where it’s going.”
Finding Purpose and Community
For many students, Puma Esports is more than a team – it’s a second home.
Hannah Kelly, captain of the Overwatch varsity team, has been part of the program since 2023 and has seen its evolution firsthand.
“It’s incredible to see how much the program, and I, have grown,” Kelly said. “What started as a small club has become something much bigger. It’s shaped my goals, helped me step into leadership, and opened my eyes to careers in esports, social media, and digital design.”
Kelly, who also contributes to the program’s marketing and graphic design efforts, emphasized the program’s impact on recruitment. “We’ve built something that people across the state are noticing,” she said. “There’s a real presence now. Players see what we’re doing and want to be part of it.”
As a woman competing at a high level in a still male-dominated space, Kelly said her experience has also given her a deeper sense of purpose. She hopes to help open doors for others. “I want other girls who game to see that esports is something they absolutely can pursue at PVCC,” she said, “whether that’s through competition, leadership, content creation, or just being part of the community.”
Nathan Esckelson, another key member of the Overwatch team, found his passion for gaming very early in life and has helped build PVCC’s team from the ground up. “Being able to compete on stage was a dream come true,” said Esckelson, who also has a musical background. “It showed me that what I imagined could actually be real. That moment still sticks with me.”
Esckelson, whose gaming name is “Caldursgate“ and received offers regularly from other schools, describes Puma Esports as transformative. “It feels like a home away from home. I don’t think I would have had this kind of experience anywhere else.”
Alberto Lefebvre, whose gaming name is “Lupin”, is a life-long gamer who will graduate this month with a degree in Video Game Production and Animation, echoed their sentiments. “It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve been able to compete, connect with students across Arizona, and share what makes PVCC special. Doing what I love while helping others find their path is what made this experience so meaningful.
“This program gave me a home. They see us as people first, not just players and that’s what makes it different,” said Lefebvre. He now looks forward to a career creating games of his own.
As the program continues to grow, one thing is clear: Puma Esports is not just competing, it’s creating a brand. One that is drawing attention, building community, and shaping the future of collegiate esports in Arizona.
For more information on the PVCC Esports program, visit the website.