East Tipp Middle School has made an impressive start into the world of competitive esports—claiming a state championship in chess during its very first year competing in the Indiana Middle School Esports Network (IMSEN).

The team participated in chess matches weekly during the spring semester, with East Tipp advancing to the state playoffs. 

Over three weeks of postseason competition, East Tipp students proved unstoppable, winning every match to earn a spot in the IMSEN State Finals at Ball State University. The semifinals featured standout performances from seventh grader Austin Kilgus, who defeated a top-ranked student from Danville Middle School, and East Tipp seventh grader William Ceja Cisneros, who won a hard-fought match against his teammate Caleb Ward.

That led to an all-East Tipp championship showdown—Austin vs. William—in a rematch of a close regular season battle. In the finals, Austin prevailed in a best-of-five series with two wins, a draw and a final win to secure the state title.

“Being in the final match was very nerve-wracking—I was shaking the whole time,” Austin said. “But it was also exciting to know it was the championship." 

“The reason I’m interested in chess is because of my dad. He’s the whole reason I got into it,” Austin says. “Winning the state title means that chess has stuck with me, and I’ve been able to have success in something I like doing.”

For William, the experience was intense and unforgettable. “I was happy and excited to travel, but also panicked and worried,” he says. “What I learned is that I should take my time and not rush.”

William reflects on when he first started playing chess: “I really hated being wrong when I was younger and tried over and over to beat a computer that kept beating me. I later learned it was okay to lose—that’s how you learn." 

Teammate Micah Delchambre shared how the program helped connect his love of gaming with a competitive and rewarding school experience.

 “I was really interested in esports because I play games all the time at home and was looking for something competitive,” he says. “We practice before school and a lot at home to be ready. I’m super happy to have East Tipp represented in the tournament. I’ve seen the work we’ve all put into this sport, and I’m glad we’re getting recognized.”