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MECC Teams Showdown Delivers High-Stakes Excel Action at CECC May Madness
ARLINGTON, TX – May 2, 2025 — The biggest stage for Excel Esports lit up with intensity, skill, and strategy during the MECC Teams Showdown at CECC May Madness, where four elite collegiate teams faced off in a lightning-fast battle of spreadsheets.
The Game: “Excel Shuffle”
Created by pro Excel Esports player Yeo Tze Sheng, the custom-built case titled “Excel Shuffle” pushed teams to the limit. With just 30 minutes on the clock, teams raced to solve complex levels and unlock coveted bonus points—earned only by the two fastest teams to complete each bonus challenge.
The Teams & Final Results:
Champions: University of Kentucky
Players: Andy Durant, Joseph Delgado, Colin Albrecht
Coach: John Saliling
Second Place: University of Arizona
Players: Desirae Hoaglin, Ben Ge, Jackson Weber
Coach: David Brown
Third Place: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Players: Nathaniel Insko, Beckett Anderson, Ben Northern
Coach: Eric Kelley
Fourth Place: University of Technology Sydney
Players: Roman Klijn, Peter Hristov, James McQueen
Coach: Leonardo Fernández
A Journey to Remember
Dallas welcomed competitors with stormy weather—posing an early challenge, particularly for University of Technology Sydney, whose international flight was rerouted to Houston. Despite the detour, the team arrived just in time to join Thursday’s celebratory dinner and jersey ceremony, where all four teams were welcomed on stage to receive their team kits alongside other collegiate esports athletes.
Participants also showcased their love for Excel by volunteering at the MECC booth, helping attendees take on mini Excel challenges and spreading the word about this fast-growing new category of esports.
Lights, Stage, Spreadsheet Action
On game day, players arrived early at the arena, prepped their gear, and reviewed printed versions of the case backstage. With a game as unpredictable as “Excel Shuffle,” strategy discussions ran deep. Would speed trump precision?
Once on stage, under the bright lights and the gaze of both the in-person audience and livestream viewers, the teams went to battle. Expert commentators Oz du Soleil and Jon Acampora guided the audience through the intricacies of Excel esports, breaking down the strategies and celebrating key breakthroughs.
The first scores came within two intense minutes:
University of Arizona solved Bonus Question 4 for 60 points.
Kentucky and Tennessee each locked in 30 points by cracking Bonus Question 1.
Then came a tense lull—highlighting the challenge of the case—until the 10-minute mark, when Sydney finally hit the scoreboard to thunderous applause.
Kentucky took an early lead with their methodical and steady approach, slowly racking up level completions. Tennessee remained close behind, applying pressure throughout. Meanwhile, Arizona, after a fast start, lagged—until a late-game surge catapulted them into second place.
As the clock wound down, Kentucky’s confidence grew. With 10 seconds left, celebrations began. They had secured their place as MECC Teams Showdown Champions, raising the trophy high alongside their coach, John Saliling, center stage.
More Than Just a Game
Behind every score and shortcut was a story of dedication. Many of these players joined the Excel esports scene just last year. They’ve since put in countless hours honing skills, competing, and embracing the unexpected in this rapidly evolving competition format.