Community Updates: A Year in Review

Pioneers fans,
It is hard to believe we are nearing the end of December. This will be the final newsletter for 2023, and we wish you a happy holiday season. Below are the Pioneers' recent highlights since the last newsletter:

• 2023 Recap of the Pioneers' best moments

• Pioneers Rocket League takes The Gauntlet

• Pioneers website refresh

• Join us at LEVELUP Arena on December 29-30 for Winter WonderLAN

• Mark Your Calendars for Midwest Fest, June 7-9, 2024

2023 Recap 

What a year it has been for the Pioneers. As our last newsletter of 2023, see below for a recap of our biggest moments of the year. In 2023, we:

• Entered the eNASCAR Coca-Coal iRacing Series 

• Got KCP player banners and goal explosions in the Rocket League shop 

• Moved Pioneers headquarters to LEVELUP Arena 

• Participated in Gamer Night at Kauffman Stadium 

• Hosted the inaugural Midwest Fest with hundreds of participants from across the Midwest 

• Created a partnership with GLYTCH Energy 

• Signed a partnership with QuikTrip and rebranded the iRacing and Rocket League teams to QuikTrip Pioneers Gaming 

• Took Top 8 at the ALGS Global Championship

• Ranked top 20 globally in Rocket League 

• Started the Stateline Showdown Series tournament sponsored by the Army National Guard and enhanced our partnerships with the Kansas Speedway and LEVELUP Arena

• Launched an esports lounge and established an Academy Team for esports at the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club 

2023 was an incredible year for the Pioneers, and we look forward to seeing what is in store for 2024!

A Year in Review: Stateline Showdown Series 

Reflecting on the incredible journey of the Stateline Showdown Series in 2023, the Pioneers are thrilled to celebrate the success of 6 events hosted across 3 distinct venues. With over 1,000 participants and a total prize pool exceeding $10,000, the series proved to be a highlight for the gaming community in the Midwest. 

We're also proud to acknowledge the support of our sponsor, the Army National Guard, and the collaborative efforts of our partner, LEVELUP Arena, in bringing this series to life. Looking ahead, the Pioneers are excited to announce that the gaming festivities will continue in 2024 as we gear up to host more events that bring the gaming community together in the heart of the Midwest. 

Join the Pioneers on this thrilling ride, and mark your calendars for the last event of 2023, Winter WonderLAN, from December 29-30 at LEVELUP Arena. This event is reserved exclusively for high school and college students. Featuring adrenaline-pumping tournaments in Rocket League, Valorant, Smash Ultimate, and an array of other epic side quests, this event is the ultimate battlefield for the fiercest competitors. For more information and to register, click here. Let's make 2024 an even more epic year for gaming!

Pioneers Rocket League: The Gauntlet Finale Recap

In a rollercoaster of highs and lows, the Pioneers Rocket League team showcased unparalleled grit and skill throughout The Gauntlet, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The journey began in the Upper Bracket Semifinals, where the Pioneers faced off against The Gospel of Lachie. Despite a valiant effort, the team faced a 2-4 defeat, setting the stage for an epic comeback through the Lower Bracket.

Undeterred, the Pioneers entered the Lower Bracket Semifinals and secured a convincing 4-1 victory against FIZ6 Gaming. This triumph not only demonstrated their resilience but also secured their ticket to the semifinals. The semifinals brought another tough challenge as the Pioneers clashed with PWR. Despite a fierce battle, the Pioneers faced a 1-4 defeat, paving the way for PWR to emerge victorious in the Grand Final.

In the end, the Pioneers secured a commendable top 4 finish, a testament to their skill and perseverance. As we applaud the Pioneers for their performance in The Gauntlet, our excitement grows for the upcoming Rocket League Championship Series in early 2024. Join us in cheering on the Pioneers as they chase glory and make their mark on the Rocket League landscape! 

Pioneers Unveil Website Redesign

The Pioneers are delighted to announce a stylish makeover of our online presence. Our website has undergone a redesign, delivering a sleek and immersive experience that reflects the excitement of our competitive gaming journey. Dive into the revamped pages to explore exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and a fresh look at our adventures in the esports realm. We invite our fantastic community to immerse themselves in the all-new Pioneers online hub – it's not just a website, it is a gaming experience! Check out the redesigned site now and join us in the thrilling world of Pioneers esports!

Announcing Midwest Fest 2024

Attention gamers: The second annual Midwest Fest is returning to Kansas City from June 7-9, 2024. Midwest Fest is a two-day event in Kansas City that brings together gaming enthusiasts from across the Midwest for a weekend of fun, competition, and community building. With panels, tournaments, and various other activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Want to be the first to hear more details about what's in store? Check out the event website and subscribe for updates.