Barnegat Student Wins Esports Tournament At Stockton University

GALLOWAY, NJ — Tyler Langan of Barnegat Township helped Stockton University’s esports team win a gaming league tournament held over Thanksgiving weekend.

Esports is a form of competition using video games and often takes the form of multiplayer video game competitions.

Stockton’s esports team began competing in "Call of Duty" in the fall of 2020. The Thanksgiving tournament was sponsored by the Philadelphia Union soccer team and the students won tickets to a game and jerseys.

Stockton lost 2-0 to Team VSAT but made a convincing 2-0 comeback against West Chester University, advancing to the grand finals. Stockton again met Team VSAT in the grand finals for a contentious rematch, dropping the first of three rounds. Stockton fought back, ultimately clinching a 2-1 victory over Team VSAT and securing the tournament win.

“Securing a huge win like this in a local tournament feels amazing,” said Langan. “What an exciting way to kick off the upcoming spring season at Stockton. The future is bright for 'Call of Duty' at Stockton.”

Stockton hosts esports teams in a dozen games and competes in the Eastern College Athletic Conference as well as CSL. About 150 students participate and 80 compete. In the last two years, Stockton teams have won their ECAC seasons in NBA2K21, FIFA and Fortnite.

During the Thanksgiving tournament, Langan was paired with Ryan Andjel of Berlin. Langan, a criminal justice major, and Andjel, a business studies major, also both qualified for season playoffs in their respective leagues earlier this fall.

“Ryan and Tyler were both instrumental in building and growing Stockton’s 'Call of Duty' teams,” said Demetrios Roubos, Stockton’s Information Security Officer and esports program manager. “We’re extremely fortunate to have dedicated and talented students supporting the esports program at Stockton. Their contributions enhance the esports experience and reflect positively on the program.”

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