Wabash Esports Team Competes at Kankakee Kougar Open

Three players make top 32 in tournament

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:03am

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The Wabash Esports team took 11 members to compete in the Kougar Open at Kankakee Valley High School. William Grier, Cole Brooks, and Ian Rowe all made the top 32 in the tournament, with Grier finishing in 5th place, Brooks in 9th, and Rowe in 25th. Several other Wabash players narrowly missed the top 32, finishing in ties for 33rd place.

Why it matters

Esports is a rapidly growing industry, and competitive tournaments like the Kougar Open provide valuable experience and exposure for up-and-coming players. Wabash's strong showing demonstrates the strength of their esports program and the potential for its players to make a name for themselves in the competitive gaming world.

The details

At the Kougar Open, the Wabash Esports team competed against players from across the region. William Grier had an impressive run, finishing 5th with his only two losses coming against the tournament winner and runner-up. Cole Brooks finished 9th, while Ian Rowe placed 25th. Several other Wabash players, including Cove Arnet, Brycen Sparks, and Gavin Grier, narrowly missed the top 32, finishing in ties for 33rd place.

  • The Kougar Open took place on March 11, 2026.

The players

William Grier

A member of the Wabash Esports team who finished 5th in the Kougar Open tournament.

Cole Brooks

A member of the Wabash Esports team who finished 9th in the Kougar Open tournament.

Ian Rowe

A member of the Wabash Esports team who finished 25th in the Kougar Open tournament.

Cove Arnet

A member of the Wabash Esports team who finished in a tie for 33rd place in the Kougar Open tournament.

Brycen Sparks

A member of the Wabash Esports team who finished in a tie for 33rd place in the Kougar Open tournament.

Gavin Grier

A member of the Wabash Esports team who finished in a tie for 33rd place in the Kougar Open tournament.

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The takeaway

The strong performance of the Wabash Esports team at the Kougar Open demonstrates the growing strength and competitiveness of the school's esports program. As esports continues to gain popularity, Wabash's ability to develop top-tier players positions them well to be a force in the industry for years to come.