Baruch College Gamers Win Big at NYC’s First Video Game Festival
July 2, 2025
From left: Dylan Trinh, Patrick Lin, Jonathan Mahadeo, Huxley Preefer, and Brandon Cheung secured first place for Baruch College in the Valorant competition at the inaugural New York City Video Game Festival.
Baruch students etched their names into New York City gaming history by winning the inaugural Video Game Festival that featured collegiate Esports.
Hosted by The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and ECAC Esports celebrating the city’s thriving digital gaming scene, Baruch was victorious in the “Battle of the Boroughs” beating six other CUNY institutions (Hunter College, Brooklyn College, College of Staten Island, City College of New York, Hostos Community College, and Queens College).
Representing Baruch College at the event were: Patrick Lin (BBA Computer Information Systems, ’25); Huxley Preefer (BBA Finance, ’27); Dylan Trinh (BBA Computer Information Systems, ’26); Brandon Cheung (BBA Accounting, ’28), and Jonathan Mahadeo (BBA in Accounting and Economics, ’26). Injun Park (BBA Business Communication, ’26) served as the team’s coach.
A Proud Achievement
“Bringing home a win for our college is an incredible feeling of accomplishment and pride,” Mahadeo said. “It’s especially significant because, for some of us, it was a first-time experience. As for others— particularly the guys graduating this semester, it was their last chance to compete, and we all wanted to end it with a win.
“We’re all proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and the team we have become. This win has certainly fueled our motivation and we’re hopeful that there will be many more victories in the future.”
Coach Park commended the students on the result and noted that their “time, effort, and sweats put in practicing for this competition” were rewarded in a great way.
The team played in the VALORANT contest, a fast-paced action game where each round has only 100 seconds to plan and execute a strategy.
‘Be part of a thriving community’
Baruch’s Esports Association, which is one of more than 130 student clubs and organizations at the College, brings together students who love casual or competitive gaming. Due to its increasing popularity, the club expanded to six teams from two in one year.
“Whether you’re a competitor or just want to play for fun, we welcome you!” said Crystal Chen, president of the Baruch Esports Association. “Future Bearcats should join to game, grow, and be part of a thriving community.”
Baruch teams claim a string of top wins in previous national and regional competitions. In 2025 alone:
Baruch teams claim a string of top wins in previous national and regional competitions. In 2025 alone:
- Edward Sanchez won the ECAC Esports Collegiate iRacing League in The Bucky’s Bristol Bash 200.
- The Varsity VALORANT nabbed 1st place in the CUNY Esports League, moving up from 2nd place in the Fall 2024.
- The League of Legends team won 1st place in the CUNY Esports League, a jump from 3rd place the previous Fall.
In 2017 and 2018, Baruch’s team won the PlayFly Esports Collegiate Starleague, earning $20,000 and $10,000, respectively. A player on the 2018 team went on to become a professional VALORANT player.
Learn more about Baruch’s student clubs.
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