Kettering University Esports is adding firepower to its competitive lineup with the introduction of Marvel Rivals. After overwhelming student interest, the fast-paced, team-based title is now an official part of the program — launching with three full team rosters in its inaugural season.
The decision came after Kettering’s Overwatch 2 team explored its competitive direction for the Spring season. While Overwatch 2 remains available for players who want to compete, the majority of the team chose to focus on Marvel Rivals — a game that has quickly gained traction in the collegiate scene. The shift resulted in the largest Esports tryout in Kettering history, with 23 students participating. As a result, Kettering is now home to three Marvel Rivals teams, each ready to take on the growing collegiate competition.
Marvel Rivals is a fast-paced 6v6 team-based player versus player (PvP) shooter featuring iconic Marvel superheroes and villains. Players engage in dynamic battles across various Marvel multiverse locations, choosing from a growing roster of characters, including Spider-Man, Captain America, and Iron Man. The game also highlights some of Marvel’s more niche and fan-favorite characters, including Squirrel Girl and Jeff the Land Shark, giving players a wide range of play styles and personalities to choose from.
“From the moment we started talking about Marvel Rivals, the energy was different,” said Dan Nowaczyk, Kettering University’s Director of Esports. “Players were excited. They were engaged. It was clear that this was the game they wanted to compete in. Our program is built to give students that opportunity.”
Kettering’s Marvel Rivals teams will make their tournament debut this month, competing in an event hosted by the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC). With collegiate interest in Marvel Rivals rapidly growing since the game’s December 2024 launch, Kettering is stepping in as an early contender in the emerging space.
This isn’t the only expansion for Kettering Esports. The program is also adding Deadlock, a tactical third-person shooter with multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) elements, and preparing a World of Warcraft Mythic+ team to compete at the highest level of play.
Since its first competitive season in 2020, Kettering Esports has grown from three game titles and 20 players to 10 titles and nearly 100 competitors. More than just a competitive program, esports at Kettering brings together students across academic terms, forging friendships, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community.
“Winning is great, but for me, Esports is about something bigger,” Nowaczyk said. “It’s about teamwork, personal growth, and giving students something they can take pride in. That’s why we have a near 99% retention and graduation rate — this program is more than competition; it’s a support system.”
Kettering Esports is always looking for new talent. If you're ready to compete, build lifelong connections, and push your skills to the next level, visit Kettering University Esports.
