FLCC Esports Celebrates NJCAAE Division I National Bid in Madden NFL 26

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) Esports Program is proud to announce that Brennan [Commish] Bates has earned his place in the NJCAAE Division I National Tournament, competing in Madden NFL 26.

Brennan fought hard through the NJCAAE Division I Regular Season and SuperRegional postseason to take third place in the Eastern Region. The NJCAAE then takes the Top 3 players from Eastern, Central 1, and Central 2 regions to populate the National Tournament each season.

"It's an honor to carry FLCC for the first time into this tournament. I feel very excited and determined to give this my best shot!" - Brennan Bates

Brennan is currently a Computer Science major at Finger Lakes, and will transition to Networking and Cybersecurity in Fall 2026. Playing remotely from home and from Lab 3315 as his schedule allows, he is also taking advantage of the SUNY Reconnect program to further his education.

"Brennan came to us ready to fight! He is bright, communicative, and has adapted well to the NJCAAE format making huge progress in his gameplay. He has also made great efforts in coming to campus and building relationships with the other students in the esports program!" - Michael Van Etten, Associate Professor and Esports Director.

This is the second semester of NJCAAE Division I play for FLCC Esports, having previously competed in Smash Bros. Ultimate in 2025. In Spring 2026, FLCC Esports was able to field two students in Madden NFL 26, one student in Street Fighter 6, and one duo in Fortnite Zero Build. 

This will be the first time that FLCC Esports will compete in an NJCAAE Division I National Tournament.

About FLCC Esports:

The FLCC Esports Program at Finger Lakes Community College welcomes students of all skill levels. As a proud member of the NJCAAE, the program provides student-athletes with the opportunity to compete in collegiate level esports while pursuing their academic goals.

You can watch NJCAAE matches and FLCC Esports events live at www.twitch.tv/FLCCEsports.

For more information about the program, visit www.flccesports.com or contact us directly at esports@fingerlakes.edu.