Bringing Top Rocket League Players to Raleigh

Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 22, 2025) – The biggest collegiate esports clash in the Carolinas is heading to Raleigh. C3 Esports and North Carolina State (NC State) University’s Esports Program are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Carolina Collegiate Clash Fall Championship will be hosted at NC State’s state-of-the-art Gaming and Esports Lab on Centennial Campus. The high-stakes Rocket League tournament will take place on November 22nd and 23rd, featuring the premier collegiate programs from participating schools throughout North and South Carolina.

The two-day championship will see the region's elite collegiate teams, battling for prize money and the title of Fall Champion. The tournament is the culmination of a fierce qualifying season, which draws over 40 collegiate players from approximately fourteen university programs and clubs.

The entire competition will be streamed live on Twitch, giving a global audience a front-row seat to the fast-paced, high-flying action of Rocket League.

The event will be produced by C3 Esports, with significant support from NC State students. This unique collaboration provides students with invaluable, real-world experience in event management, broadcasting, and competitive operations within the booming esports industry.

Further solidifying Raleigh's position as a premier destination for competitive gaming, Visit Raleigh has proudly joined as a sponsor for the 2025 Carolina Collegiate Clash Fall Championship. This partnership underscores the region's commitment to fostering the growth of esports at all levels.

Loren Gold, executive vice president of Visit Raleigh shared his enthusiasm: "Raleigh is already recognized globally as a top host destination for major international esports events. Our steadfast support for collegiate esports in this area, exemplified by our partnership with C3 Esports and NC State, is a natural extension of that commitment. We are thrilled to welcome the Carolina Collegiate Clash and highlight the incredible talent and vibrant community flourishing right here in our region."

“We are incredibly excited to be the host site for the Carolina Collegiate Clash Fall LAN Championship,” said Cody Elsen, Esports Program Director at North Carolina State University. “Supporting gaming and esports within our State and region is one of our program's key pillars, and hosting this event is a premier example of our commitment to cultivating this vibrant community.”

Nathan Hedrick, Founder of C3 Esports, commented on the league's growth: “One of our main goals when we created the C3 Esports League was to showcase the incredible talent across different universities throughout the Carolinas. Holding our Fall 2025 LAN event at NC State gives us a fantastic platform to empower programs and demonstrate the dynamism of the collegiate esports programs throughout our region. We’re ready to deliver an unforgettable tournament and experience for the players and fans.”

Collegiate esports is rapidly expanding, offering students structured, high-level competitive gaming that builds community and school spirit. Leading institutions across the Carolinas, including Wake Tech Community College and Winthrop University, have invested strategically in esports programs and now compete at the highest level. The new and upcoming facilities at UNC Charlotte and NC State University, respectively, signal a continued commitment to developing flagship competitive gaming facilities and supporting the pathway of students into STEM and digital media careers within the multibillion-dollar global industry.

About C3 Esports:
C3 Esports was founded to establish a locally driven system where Carolina-based universities and colleges could compete, collaborate and grow together. With over five years of experience in competitive play, media production and esports management, the people of C3 Esports have successfully hosted numerous esports events that bring together students, universities and gaming enthusiasts across the Carolinas. Beyond events, we are dedicated to creating real-world experience opportunities and empowering participants to develop skills in event organization, content creation and league operations. By combining our industry expertise with hands-on opportunities, we foster growth in competition, networking and community building within the ever-evolving world of esports. The community in the Carolinas has played a vital role in our growth over the past two years and we remain committed to serving them in the years ahead.

About NC State Esports:
The NC State Esports Program offers students the chance to harness their passion for video games while learning new skills and building community with their Wolfpack. As the program continues to expand, NC State Esports helps prepare students for careers in the gaming or tech industries---or for careers in marketing, sales, event planning, digital production, community management and more. NC State Esports also supports interdisciplinary research, student engagement, partnerships and community-building and wellness and recreation through the use of the Gaming & Esports Lab at Hunt Library, with plans to complete an Esports Arena on campus in the near future.

About the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh):
As the official destination marketing organization for Wake County, Visit Raleigh is responsible for promoting Wake County as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the industry and the community's economic position and provides opportunities for people throughout Wake County. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes 19 million visitors annually, whose spending tops $3.4 billion. The visitor economy supports more than 26,000 local jobs in Wake County and generates $321 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $720 in taxes annually. visitRaleigh.com

Media Contacts:
Mark Drewery
C3 Esports
markdrewery7@gmail.com

Visit Raleigh
Dana Goodwin
Public Relations and International Tourism Manager
919.830.1289
dgoodwin@visitRaleigh.com

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