DACC esports team advances to national playoffs

The community college's esports squad has its sights set on another national title.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an esports competition, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors representing the dynamic action and competition of the game.DACC's esports team continues its championship-caliber play, with its sights set on another national title.Danville Today

The Danville Area Community College (DACC) esports team has qualified for the NJCAAE National Esports Playoffs, with several of its players ranking among the top performers in the country across multiple game titles. The team is looking to add to its growing list of national championships.

Why it matters

DACC's esports program has become a point of pride for the community college, with the team winning four national titles in just three years. The program's success has helped attract students and provide scholarship opportunities, furthering the school's mission of student success.

The details

The DACC esports team will compete against other nationally ranked teams and student-athletes in the NJCAAE National Esports Playoffs. The team is home to top performers, including Michael Wease, who finished No. 1 nationally in Chess during the regular season, and the college's No. 1 nationally ranked Mario Kart 4v4 team. Three team members - Braden Bulla, Tyler Mahoney, and Chase Williams - also placed in the top four nationally in Mario Kart Singles.

  • The DACC esports team qualified for the national playoffs in April 2026.
  • Last May, the team won its fourth national title in just three years.

The players

Michael Wease

A DACC esports player who finished No. 1 nationally in Chess during the regular season and was named to the NJCAAE All-Academic Team.

Braden Bulla

A DACC esports player who placed in the top four nationally in Mario Kart Singles and earned NJCAAE All-Academic Team honors.

Tyler Mahoney

A DACC esports player who placed in the top four nationally in Mario Kart Singles and won first place at the Peoria Game Con.

Chase Williams

A DACC esports player who placed in the top four nationally in Mario Kart Singles and earned NJCAAE All-Academic Team honors.

Michael 'Guido' Esteves

The Director of Esports at DACC, who is focused on student success and building a nationally recognized program.

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What they’re saying

“At first, esports was just a way to earn a scholarship. Then I got invested because I kept winning. Even with some losses, I ended up No. 1 in the country before I fully realized it.”

— Michael Wease, Chess competitor and NJCAAE All-Academic Team honoree

“I love winning and building a nationally recognized program. But our focus is student success first. If esports helps students reach their goals—whether that's earning a scholarship or advancing their education—we've done our job.”

— Michael 'Guido' Esteves, Director of Esports

What’s next

The DACC esports team will compete in the NJCAAE National Esports Playoffs against other nationally ranked teams and student-athletes in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

DACC's esports program has become a source of pride for the community college, providing scholarship opportunities and helping to attract students while building a nationally recognized program. The team's continued success in the playoffs will further cement the school's reputation as a leader in collegiate esports.