"This is our second year organizing Pantheon, where we invite a lot of other schools with esports teams. They come here to play against each other and compete for the trophy," said Christy Hacker, a student worker with MSU Esports.

Programs from across the region traveled in — including Purdue University, University of Michigan, Ferris State, Oakland University, Western Michigan and Ohio State — turning the campus into a Midwestern esports hub for the weekend.

Hacker moved between two command centers: the Alienware Lounge, a public, LED-lit gaming space buzzing with spectators, and the Hubbard Lab, the university’s production hub where streams, casters and camera angles were controlled like a mission launch.

"We had to figure out where Smash goes, where Rocket League goes and how to schedule streams and casters so we can showcase as much talent as possible."

That scheduling puzzle required more than just plugging in PCs. With three games but only two spaces, the staff had to choreograph each match, caster rotation and stream timing to keep the event running smoothly — all while ensuring each team felt supported and seen.

Across the room, competitors were locked in on their monitors, their gameplay reflecting hours of mechanical practice and mental discipline. Christian Riegert, a sophomore Rocket League athlete who transferred from New York specifically to play at MSU, explained the sport’s complexity.

"Honestly, the game digs deeper and deeper. You can make it as basic as you want, but if you really dive in, every move matters. Timing, positioning, teamwork — it’s all critical."

But when the match ends, the work doesn’t. 

"After each match, we analyze replays on a platform called Facing," Riegert said. "We watch it from a bird’s-eye view and from our perspective to see what we did well and what we need to improve."

Hovering behind the scenes of it all is Christopher Bilski, MSU’s Esports director, who sees Pantheon as more than a tournament — he sees it as MSU building the future of collegiate gaming.

"Esports is still a growing field, but its potential is enormous," Bilski said. "We’re working on creating structural stability so students can compete at a high level while also building a community around it."

And Bilski has a vision beyond campus walls.

"Eventually, I’d love to see viewing parties here on campus — spaces where families and students can come together to watch competitions live."

Those aren’t the only benefits, he added. Behind every triple-kill highlight reel is a student learning how to collaborate, communicate and think strategically under pressure.

"Players develop teamwork, communication and strategic thinking — skills that are highly transferable to any career. Esports is much more than just playing video games."

For Riegert, Pantheon isn’t just a tournament — it’s the launchpad for something larger.

"Over the next few years, I hope to see more students involved and more schools investing in esports," he said. "Platforms like Twitch and live events are making this a space where talented students can showcase their skills, much like traditional sports."

As the final match ended and the monitors powered down, the students behind Pantheon 2025 were already looking ahead — to more teams, more spectators and greater visibility and legitimacy for the growing world of collegiate esports as momentum continues to build.