FLCC Esports Claims First National Championship in Fortnite Build

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. – The Finger Lakes Community College Fortnite Build team made history on Wednesday, December 11th, clinching their first National Championship and marking the program's third overall national title in Esports. The freshman duo of Carl Barwald and Robert Barrett fought through the NJCAAe playoffs to reach the finals, where they faced off against Herkimer College in a thrilling best-of-five series.

The match was a true battle of skill and strategy, with FLCC winning Game 1 before the rounds alternated between teams. Going into the deciding Game 5, the score was tied, but FLCC took an early lead after eliminating Herkimer and never looked back, finishing the game with a decisive victory. The final score of the series was 3-2, with the Lakers claiming the championship and cementing their place in the record books.

Throughout the tournament, Barwald and Barrett showcased impressive teamwork, which they developed over just one semester of playing together. Reflecting on the victory, Barwald shared his excitement on the broadcast, saying, "I'm just proud of me and my teammate. I'm proud of us. We came a long way. It's a crazy feeling."

Final Match Scores:

• Game 1: FLCC 28 - HC 17
• Game 2: FLCC 19 - HC 20
• Game 3: FLCC 6 - HC 5
• Game 4: FLCC 16 - HC 18
• Game 5: FLCC 26 - HC 9

The Lakers will continue to build on their legacy this spring as several teams look to earn their spot in the NJCAAe National Tournament. Fans can follow all the updates and future competitions on FLCC Esports Twitch and the program's social media platforms @FLCCeSports.