UC Irvine Esports Newsletter
March 16, 2026
The 2026 Level Up!
📖 Estimated read time: 629 words, 2.5 minute read
Topping the Leaderboard
UC Irvine Esports kicks off 2026 with momentum—fresh roster, new platforms, and championship—level play already underway.
Team Roster Reveal
The lineup is here. Our varsity teams have been ready since the start of fall quarter, and we’re excited to formally introduce the rosters for VALORANT and League of Legends!
🔴 VALORANT Roster
Duelist – kookInitiator – L4CE
Flex / Sentinel – add3r
Smoke – jjasonl
Duelist – derekdmo
Initiator – richie
Viper / Sentinel – jas0n
Coach – CurryShot
Manager – Strider
🔵 League of Legends Roster
Starting LineupTop-Lane – Armao
Jungle – RoseThorn
Mid-Lane – Cinnamon Bread
ADC – minui
Support – Kurulean
Substitutes
Sub Mid-Lane – Strompest
Sub ADC – Kyriii
Sub All-Rounder – Draxyr
Coach – Joey
Manager – burreido
These players represent UC Irvine Esports in collegiate competition. Stay tuned for highlights, clips, and team updates on our socials!
Introducing the UC Irvine Esports Mobile App
UC Irvine launched what may be the first dedicated collegiate esports program mobile app.
- Expands access and engagement across the program.
- Creates one hub for updates, match schedules and announcements.
- Showcases UC Irvine’s leadership in collegiate esports.
Download now on the App Store or Google Play!
Now Hiring: Content & Media Team Member
We’re hiring current UC Irvine students passionate about gaming and esports to help create content and promote the UC Irvine Esports Program.
The Job:
- Create social media content (video, graphics, photos).
- Help cover esports events and matches.
- Follow and contribute to social media trends.
- Collaborate with marketing and esports teams.
- Flexible hours (up to 19.5 hours per week).
- Hybrid role—remote work with in-person support as needed.
All-New and Improved Esports Website
The UC Irvine Esports website has been completely redesigned to showcase one of the nation’s premier collegiate esports programs.
- Explore our competitive teams and players.
- Follow highlights, clips, and match results.
- Connect with our growing esports community.
Visit the new site to see what’s happening in the arena and beyond.
Team Jerseys for the ’25 – ’26 Season
Ready to dominate the Rift and defuse the Spike … in style.
UC Irvine Esports is hitting this season with our brand-new jerseys! Sleek, minimalistic, and designed for maximum performance and team pride, these jerseys represent our roster in every match, stream, and tournament.
UCEI Recap
This year, UC Irvine’s Esports hosted and competed for the University of California Esports Initiative LAN Championships in League of Legends and VALORANT!
- UCEI Invitational was hosted by a university campus for the first time.
- UC Irvine’s League of Legends and VALORANT teams were victorious!
- Hosted Networking Night which brought together students and industry professionals.
Mark’s Interview With Voyage LA
UC Irvine Esports Director Mark Deppe was recently featured in Voyage LA to share the story behind building one of the nation’s top collegiate esports programs.
Highlights from the interview:
- Launched the UC Irvine Esports Arena in 2016.
- Focused on fostering a culture that prioritized long-term growth.
- Strong industry partnerships and career pathways.
- A nationally recognized model for collegiate esports.
From vision to arena to national championship—the journey is just getting started for Mark.
