THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
ABOVE: (L to R) Chase Williams, Kenzie Divan, DC Canady, Guido Esteves, Tyler Mahoney, Logan Allen, and Braden Bulla
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College (DACC) Esports is headed to the NJCAAE National Esports Playoffs with multiple nationally ranked teams and student-athletes, capping a season defined by competitive success and academic distinction.
DACC enters postseason play with top performers across multiple titles. Michael Wease finished No. 1 nationally in Chess during the regular season, reinforcing the program’s strength in strategic competition.
The College also earned the No. 1 national ranking in Mario Kart 4v4, with three Jaguars placing in the top four nationally in Mario Kart Singles:
⦁ Braden Bulla
⦁ Tyler Mahoney
⦁ Chase Williams
“At first, esports was just a way to earn a scholarship,” said Michael Wease, Chess competitor and NJCAAE All-Academic Team honoree. “Then I got invested because I kept winning. Even with some losses, I ended up No. 1 in the country before I fully realized it.”
DACC competitors are also making their mark beyond collegiate play. Tyler Mahoney recently took first place at the Peoria Game Con, competing against collegiate and professional players. DACC alumnus and three-time national champion Michael Davis Canady placed 10th overall, underscoring the program’s continued competitive pipeline.
Academic achievement remains central to the program’s mission. Four DACC Esports student-athletes earned NJCAAE All-Academic Team honors (minimum 3.75 GPA, full-time enrollment):
⦁ Braden Bulla
⦁ Logan Allen
⦁ Chase Williams
⦁ Michael Wease
“I love winning and building a nationally recognized program,” said Michael ‘Guido’ Esteves, Director of Esports. “But our focus is student success first. If esports helps students reach their goals—whether that’s earning a scholarship or advancing their education—we’ve done our job.”
As DACC advances to national competition, the program continues to demonstrate how esports can support competitive excellence, academic performance, and career pathways.
For more information about DACC Esports or scholarship opportunities, contact Guido Esteves at g.esteves@dacc.edu.
Danville Area Community College is a comprehensive community college serving Illinois District 507, which consists of Vermilion County and parts of Champaign, Iroquois, Edgar, and Ford counties, since 1946. The College offers Associate degrees and certificates in both university transfer and applied career and technical programs. DACC’s historic, 76-acre main campus is located at 2000 East Main Street, Danville. The College has a higher-learning center in Hoopeston at 847 E. Orange. To apply to DACC, call 217-443-3222 or visit the Web site at www.DACC.EDU.
