Press Release: Largest Super Smash Bros Esports Tournament in Fort Wayne History Taking Place Saturday

April 6, 2023 Fort Wayne, Indiana - Claim The Crown is excited to announce the 8-Crown Showdown, a major Super Smash Bros tournament taking place on April 8th, 2023. The event will feature 100 players from across the state of Indiana, as well as from Michigan and Ohio. The tournament is projected to feature 6 out of the top 15 ranked players in Indiana, according to the recently released Indiana Power Rankings. These rankings are compiled quarterly based on players' tournament performances.

8-Crown Showdown is the first in a series of tournaments leading up to the biggest Smash Bros tournament in Indiana history post-COVID-19. The tournament will feature a double elimination bracket for Smash Ultimate singles, as well as a Rivals Of Aether and Ladder matchmaking side bracket.

A huge part of esports is the participation of high school and college students. Manchester University is sponsoring the entry of 17 of its players as part of its esports program. The tournament provides opportunities for students to compete for their school or college but is also open to anyone.

According to Garrett Schieferstien, the Director for Manchester Esports, "Esports creates opportunities for students who are not interested in conventional athletics to pursue meaningful competition for their school, college, or community." Schieferstien also praises Claim the Crown for hosting inclusive and fun tournaments, which are crucial to building relationships and community within the esports scene. He notes, “I'm excited to bring my entire smash team to this event. I know they are going to have a blast!”

Local coaches such as Ian Tyler from Snider High School also sees the benefits of esports as a school function. He states, "Esports puts everyone on an even playing field... As a coach for Snider Esports, we make sure students' academics come first. Grades and attendance are checked regularly. If a student falls behind in grades, we as coaches help tutor the students if they need it." Tyler adds “The people who run the tournament, and the people who participate make up one of the best communities that I have ever been a part of. They are kind and full of helpful advice for the students, while helping improve their game play.”

Taylor Zimmerman, Esports coach for Northfield & Southwood Jr/Hs, adds, "Esports teaches important life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and how to handle adversity." Zimmerman notes, “I’ve seen students who were completely mute in a classroom, become social butterflies in an esports setting. Traditional sports/clubs do not always appeal to students.”

August Elliott, a Manchester player who is ranked #3 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, emphasizes the impact of esports on his life. He states, "Having the opportunity of esports at Manchester and a local tournament in Indiana is great... My favorite part of esports and local tournaments by far has to be meeting new people and making friends... Esports has impacted my life for the better and I hope everyone has the opportunity to participate."

Local esports tournaments like 8-Crown Showdown help to strengthen the esports community in Fort Wayne and provide a fun and inclusive tournament environment for players across the region. The doors will open at 10 AM and the venue (3504 N Anthony Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805) will close at 9 PM. More information and registration details can be found on the tournament page at https://www.start.gg/8cs.

For more information, please contact justin@crownjewelpro.com.