MSSU Esports Teams Advance to Playoffs After Successful Season

Fans encouraged to support MSSU's esports teams as they compete for division titles

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:21pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors, breaking down a collegiate esports tournament or competition into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, capturing the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the event.MSSU's esports teams showcase their competitive spirit and skill as they advance to the playoffs, breaking down the action into a dynamic, cubist-inspired visual.Joplin Today

The Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) Esports program, known as MOSO Esports, has wrapped up an impressive regular season with multiple teams advancing to the playoffs across several game titles, including Marvel Rivals, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Why it matters

MSSU's esports program has seen significant growth and success this season, with multiple teams qualifying for postseason play. This represents a milestone for the university's burgeoning esports initiative and highlights the increasing popularity and competitiveness of collegiate esports.

The details

The MSSU Gold team in Marvel Rivals finished the regular season with a perfect 7-0 match record and 21-0 round-by-round record, securing the Regular Season Conference Championship before falling in the Division VIII quarterfinals. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, MOSO Esports posted a 9-1 regular season record, avenging their only loss to the University of Kentucky in the semifinals to earn a spot in the Division VII Championship match against the University of South Florida. The MSSU Gold Super Smash Bros. Ultimate squad finished the regular season 6-1, earning the second-best record in Division IV and advancing to the Division IV Quarterfinals against Sacramento State.

  • The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Division VII Championship match will take place on Sunday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
  • The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Division IV Quarterfinals match will take place on Monday, March 30 at 8:30 p.m.

The players

MOSO Esports

The esports program at Missouri Southern State University.

MSSU Gold

The varsity esports teams representing Missouri Southern State University.

Robert Morris University Academy

An opponent that defeated MSSU Gold in the Marvel Rivals Division VIII quarterfinals.

University of Kentucky

An opponent that defeated MOSO Esports in the regular season of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but was later defeated by MSSU Gold in the semifinals.

University of South Florida

MSSU Gold's opponent in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Division VII Championship match.

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What’s next

MSSU's esports teams will compete in their respective playoff matches this weekend and next week, with the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Division VII Championship match on Sunday, March 30 at 7 p.m. and the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Division IV Quarterfinals match on Monday, March 30 at 8:30 p.m. Both matches will be streamed live on the MOSO Esports Twitch channel.

The takeaway

MSSU's esports program has achieved unprecedented success this season, with multiple teams qualifying for the playoffs across several game titles. This represents a significant milestone for the university's burgeoning esports initiative and highlights the growing competitiveness and popularity of collegiate esports.