Record Growth and Excitement Ahead of Finals Weekend

The 2024/25 Ireland Esports Collegiate Series is setting new records, building a groundswell of engagement and showcasing the deepening talent within Ireland’s collegiate esports scene.

With the Winter Finals Weekend set for 6-8 December, the series is experiencing unprecedented participation and enthusiasm across a range of popular titles. Here’s a look at the numbers behind this early success and the journey to a packed weekend of final matches.

Record-Breaking Participation and Game Line-Up Expansion

This season has seen a remarkable 36% growth in the number of competing teams, complemented by an increase of 17.7% in registered players across all games. From EA FC25 to Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and League of Legends, the Winter Series has expanded its game offerings to appeal to even more players. Riot Games’ Teamfight Tactics (TFT) is the newest addition, warmly welcomed with 30 players signed up, enhancing the depth and variety of the competition.

Impressive Growth Across Key Titles

Compared to last academic year, the Winter Series has seen Valorant retain the same number of teams and growth across three of the five other returning titles:

• Counter-Strike 2: Up 54%

• EA FC: Up 42%

• League of Legends: Up 17%

These increases reflect the series’ reach into new player segments while also deepening its ties with existing esports communities.

Valorant remains the most popular team-based game title in the Winter Series, followed closely by League of Legends. Counter-Strike 2, with its sharp rise in players, sits narrowly behind League of Legends, with Rocket League rounding out the list.

Addressing Churn: A Fresh Wave of Talent Each Year

One unique challenge of collegiate esports is the 30% player churn that typically occurs between academic years as students graduate. This high turnover keeps the series dynamic, as fresh talent steps up to fill the gaps left by outgoing players. Despite this churn, the Ireland Esports Collegiate Winter Series has successfully sustained and even grown its player base, pointing to the strength of its community and the enthusiasm among new and returning students alike.

Growing Team of Student Representatives Supporting Campus Esports

To bolster engagement and encourage the growth of campus esports programs, the series has added three new Student Reps, two of whom are actively revitalising esports programs at their universities while the others continue to build. This development further strengthens the connection between competitive esports and Irish campuses, creating pathways for student-led growth and community building.

Top Five Universities Leading in Player Participation

Among the 17 participating institutions, five stand out for their player numbers. TU Dublin (TUD) leads the pack, followed by Dublin City University (DCU), University College Dublin (UCD), and Trinity College Dublin (TCD). Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has edged out South East Technological University (SETU) to complete the top five, showcasing the passion for esports that’s building across the country. 

Looking Ahead: The 2024 Winter Finals Weekend @Dogpatch Labs, Dublin

With participation stronger than ever, the Winter Finals Weekend is primed to deliver top-tier competition and thrilling showcases.

Held from 6-8 December at Dogpatch Labs in Dublin, the event will bring together the top-performing teams from the series, each vying for glory and the opportunity to represent their universities as champions. 

As we count down to the Finals Weekend, the scene is set for an electrifying close to a groundbreaking semester.

Find out more about tickets for the upcoming 24/25 Winter Series Finals Weekend here. Tickets are just €10 per person plus booking fee for each day.