FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Pacific Esports team closed out its fall 2025 season with significant accomplishments across all competitive titles, marking a turning point from "just winging it" to being serious competitors.
Competing with five teams across four titles this fall, the Sunbirds demonstrated significant growth, competitive consistency, and a deepening culture of excellence both in and out of competition. Under the direction of Chris Carlson, the program continued to build momentum while developing player's game sense, teamwork, and strategy.
Rocket League: High-Flying Performances
Rocket League delivered one of the program's highest achievements with a top-four finish in NECC Division VI west Conference. Moving up a division from last season, the FPU Orange team was consistently outranked in each match yet still managed to scrape to the top of the conference, going 6-1 in season games. An early victory against the Fresno State Red team (4-3) showed the Birds that they had what it takes to win and win they did. A rematch with Fresno State in the conference playoffs semi-final match ended the team's chances at further victory (1-4). Finishing 13th out of 61 teams in division VI the Sunbirds came to play this season and displayed rapid growth over last year's 3-4 record establishing themselves as a rising presence on the pitch.
Overwatch 2: Moving up the Ranks
This season marked improvement in both our abilities and team dynamics. A strong showing at NECC's pre-season placement tournament jumped the Birds up from Division IX to Division VII resulting in much more competitive play. Finishing third in conference with a (5-2) record and making playoffs was a significant turnaround from last season's (1-6) results.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Now it's Competitive
FPU's Smash team finished 4-2 second in conference behind Sonoma State (6-0) earning them a spot in the playoffs. A loss to ECU Tigers (0-2) in the semifinals and then again to Buena Vista's Navy team (0-2) put the birds in 4th place for the season. The NECC's decision to shift from regional competition and introduce the division models used in other titles worked in FPU's favor and significant improvement both in player skill and morale was seen compared to last spring (1-5) and fall (1-6) records. The sunbirds finished 12th out of the 42 teams in Division 5.
Marvel Rivals: New Game, New Team
Marvel Rivals, released December 6th 2024, was supported by the NECC this FA25 season for competitive collegiate play. The Sunbirds rushed to get in on the ground floor of this competition and showed up for their first semester as a team. It was a bit of a rocky start, but the team found their footing and finished the season with some wins under their belt. Preparations are underway to follow the similar trends of their fellow sunbirds and turn next season around to end up on top.
A Foundation for the Future
While competitive results were a highlight of the fall season, the development of a strong program identity and sense of community among the players proved most valuable. The program has transitioned from learning the ropes to operating with purpose and a clear vision for competitive success. With growing rosters, increased student engagement, and expanded competitive opportunities, the Fresno Pacific Esports team has laid a solid foundation for next season and beyond.
SUNBIRD SOCIAL
- X - @fpusunbirds
- Instagram - @fpusunbirds
- Facebook - /FPUsunbirds
#TeamFPU
