Strong Season Propels Gordon Gamers to NJCAAE National Playoffs
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Gordon State College’s esports team, the Gordon Gamers, advanced to the NJCAAE Division I National Playoffs for the Madden title, with standout player Issac O’Neal set to compete on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. against Wichita State University–Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology.
O’Neal, an IT major from Bibb County, finished the regular season with a 6-1 record and advanced to the regional playoffs, where he placed third after defeating Reid State Technical College. His performance secured his place in the national bracket. This season marks his first year competing for the Gordon Gamers.
“I’m grateful for this season and the support I’ve had along the way,” O’Neal said. “Making it to nationals means a lot, and I’m excited to represent Gordon State on that level. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m ready to keep proving myself.”
GSC Esports recorded strong results this fall from both Division I teams competing in the NJCAAE. The Fortnite 2v2 Zero Build roster includes Jimmy Dougherty (Jimbodious9410), Ryan Hoffman (STACK), and Amir Warren-Jones (CaptainHim_04). With Hoffman delivering consistent high-scoring performances and strong duo coordination, the team entered late October with a 4-2 record after opening the season undefeated. The Gordon Gamers are fielding an 11-player roster this fall with teams competing in Fortnite, Madden, Marvel Rivals and Rocket League.
Alongside their competitive success, the Gordon Gamers partnered with Hightower Library to celebrate International Games Month (IGM), an American Library Association initiative that highlights the social and educational value of games within local communities. This year marks the third time the library has collaborated with the esports program to host campuswide activities.
“IGM celebrates learning through play. As library professionals committed to our institution’s educational mission, the Hightower CLC and Library staff recognize the meaningful role gaming can have in student development,” said Dr. Sonya Gaither, GSC dean of libraries. “Gaming supports problem-solving, logical reasoning, emotional resilience, teamwork, and leadership, and it encourages a wide range of academic and life skills.”
In previous years, the partnership featured board and card game stations on the library’s first floor, Super Smash Bros. tournaments, Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, and a themed gaming book display. For 2025, the library and the Gordon Gamers expanded the celebration with two dedicated events. The first was a Rocket League tournament held in the library. The second was a Retro Game Night that included crafting and tabletop games on the first floor and retro console stations set up in the upstairs classrooms.
“Our students are challenged daily in the classroom as they pursue their academic and career goals. The library complements that journey by offering a welcoming space for creativity, connection, and stress relief,” Gaither said.
(L-R) Jimmy Dougherty, Ryan Hoffman, Amir Warren-Jones, Issac O'Neal III.