Get ready for another exciting season of esports excellence! The HSEL Spring Major, brought to you by Generation Esports and proudly sponsored by Oakley, kicks off in a month. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming season.
Major Dates to Keep in Mind
Registration Opens: NOW!
Preseason: February 10 – February 21
Regular Season: February 24 – April 11 (Seven weeks / seven matches)
Playoffs: April 15 – May 2
Whether you're new to esports or a returning competitor, these dates ensure plenty of time to prepare your teams for the excitement of competition.
Game Title Lineup
This season welcomes back some of our previously run titles and a few changes to game-modes -- catering to a diverse range of gaming preferences:
NEW GAME: Deadlock
NEW GAME: Marvel Rivals
NEW MODE: Minecraft 4v4 Bed Wars
NEW MODE: Fortnite 2v2 Zone Wars
Returning: Rainbow 6 Siege
Returning: 10 Minute Chess
And of course, the ever-popular mainstay games:
Apex Legends TDM (Free)
Rocket League (Free)
VALORANT
Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate (Solos and Crews)
With cross-platform options and both regional and national divisions, there’s room for every team to find their footing and aim for victory.
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Tournament Structures
Spring Major
Preseason: Test your skills in the queue system (2 weeks).
Regular Season: Seven matches -- compete weekly over 7 weeks.
Playoffs: Top teams advance to the single-elimination bracket to determine the major champions!
Intramural
In addition to the Major, HSEL offers unique formats that gives every team a chance to shine. Intramural provides teams the opportunity to grow their skills against opponents who may also be new to esports or certain game titles, ensuring for fair competitive play. HSEL Intramural competitions utilize the queue system all season; there are no playoffs or champions.
Premier
Premier is our elite high-stakes tournament route to HSEL Nationals 2025 live in Kansas City. HSEL Premier is not open to just anyone -- schools must qualify into this competition, where matches are pre-scheduled by the league. If your players think they have what it takes to compete with the best across the nation, then consider challenging your team further with HSEL Premier. Learn more about the upcoming Premier season and HSEL Nationals 2025 in this announcement!
Spring Major teams that go undefeated in Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate solos, and VALORANT will also receive an invitation to the Wild Card, where they will compete against HSEL Premier teams for the final bids to Nationals.
Makeup Matches (Spring Major)
Every region has different spring breaks, ranging from the first week in March to the last week in April. In order to accommodate as many schools as possible, participants may use multiple queue windows during week 7 to make up for matches missed for weather, spring break, etc. Additionally, each competition will have at least one optional make up queue available Friday, April 4th (end of week 6). Check the full schedule on the help site for more details.
Prizing and Recognition
This year’s Spring season will feature exciting prizes, including trophies, plaques, medals, and/or pins for top-performing teams. Full details can be found on the detailed event overviews! (Major / Premier)
Oakley: Elevating Esports
We’re thrilled to have Oakley as our title sponsor for the Spring Major. Known for their dedication to high-performance gear, Oakley is a perfect partner to support and empower the next generation of esports athletes. Stay tuned for exclusive announcements, including potential offers and collaborations, as we roll into the new season.
