Collegiate Rocket League Tournaments - are they worth your time?

Collegiate Rocket League Tournaments - are they worth your time?

Sophie McCarthy

22 Oct, 2022, 16:09

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Last updated: 13 May, 2025, 06:51

Unlike a lot of other esports, Collegiate Rocket League plays a huge part in the pro scene as a whole. With the new season due to kick off at the end of January next year, now could be the perfect time to take a look at the teams, leagues and players who could well be moving into pro leagues in years to come.

There’s only a couple of leagues to pay attention to here across North America and Europe and now that this year’s National Championship has wrapped up, new students and fans alike will be looking to get involved with the next season.

Which colleges compete in the league? - US Edition

Ever since 2017, the US Collegiate Rocket League tournaments have been taking place across the US and each year, prizes have been growing and growing to the tune of around $50,000 USD. The good news is that a lot of colleges are competing in the esports leagues these days and with 16 teams taking part in every tournament, it seems like Rocket League is a real focus game!

The National Championship finals were on November 20th and came down to the top 4 teams:

  • Columbia College
  • India River State College
  • Fisher Falcons
  • Northwood Blue

There was a lot to fight for too, with both cash prizes of up to $10,000 USD for the first place winner alongside a seed to the CRL 2023 World Championship. This year, it was Columbia College that took the throne, although the competition was tough against Northwood Blue. Both of these teams will already have a guaranteed place going into the next season so fans will certainly be on the look out for their performances.

Collegiate Rocket League Tournaments - are they worth your time?
This year's CRL Champions Columbia College

Keeping up with Collegiate Rocket League

Collegiate Rocket League tournaments have not yet earned their place as S-tier tournaments but as school leagues go, they’re not far behind. Fans who need their Rocket League fix during the down time of the pro leagues are certainly keeping up as players who began here stand a pretty good chance at making a career out of the game.

Think of it as college football, fans might not see many famous names or even names they recognize, but that doesn’t mean the play isn’t worth their time. In fact, spotting an amazing new face on the scene early on could mean a lot. Perhaps they’ll even find themselves on the road to Rotterdam in a couple of years!

Upcoming Collegiate Tournaments

It’s not all about the US, Collegiate Rocket League is a great place to see the top European and British RL players. In fact, on November 26th, a brand new seasonal tournament will be starting in Europe in the form of the University Rocketeers Winter 22-23. Again, 16 teams (15 of whom have already qualified!) will be competing for a pretty decent cash prize and a direct seed into the CRL Worlds 2023. This would be a great start to the season for any team looking to make their mark on Collegiate Rocket League!

Image source: CCA.gg

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