Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament was a smash!

Bow Valley College's Esports Arena became the battleground for Super Mario, Sonic, Steve, and Pikachu on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

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More than 75 junior high and high school students from the Calgary Board of Education, Rocky View School Division, Golden Hills School Division, and the STEM Innovation Academy took part in a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament hosted by Alberta Scholastic Esports League (ASEL).

Moms, Dads, siblings, grandparents, friends, and teachers turned out to see which characters participants would pick and watched the smash attacks fly!

It was not for the faint of heart, as the onlookers’ excitement and energy matched that of the players inside the arena.

Live shoutcasting on Twitch by School of Foundational Learning instructor Travis Woodward and Esports Business Management student Logan Mort provided additional live sports event atmosphere. In a surprise appearance, Joanne Pitman, Chief Superintendent, Calgary Board of Education, even took to the mic, to express support for engaging students in competitive esports.

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Bow Valley College Esports Business Management instructor Shadi Hanna said having Pitman attend speaks to the legitimacy of the sport.

“Esports is more than just gaming. It’s culture, it’s passion, it’s dedication to a craft. To see the college’s investment in it gives the next generation of high school kids a lot to think about when they are considering where they want to go for postsecondary,” says Hanna – who also represents ASEL.

While the competition was a smashing success, the event also presented an opportunity to showcase what the college offers.

“It was meaningful to have students wear a jersey, representing their school for the first time,” says Eddie Sargent, Associate Dean, Bow Valley College Chiu School of Business. “We also had teachers ask about dual credit programming and wanting to come for tours to learn more about programming, including our health virtual simulation labs and Centre for Entertainment Arts. It was an eyeopener for many educators, so the exposure was huge.”

Victoria Wells, Manager, Welcome Centre and Student Recruitment, added that events like this help transform perceptions of Bow Valley College. “They bring students and their families to campus to experience Bow Valley College for themselves and highlight how transformative our growth has been as a post-secondary institution at the forefront of innovation in programming, campus facilities, and the student experience.”

CBC radio and TV and Livewire covered the event. Livewire quoted one teen, who had a quintessentially authentic reaction to competing in Bow Valley College's arena.

“I’ve heard of tournaments being very chaotic, and this one’s actually been rather relaxed from what I expected,” Jonathon, a Grade 11 student from Western Canada High School, tells Livewire Calgary. He went on to compliment our arena, reporting to Livewire, “You’re not just playing on some crappy chairs or whatever. You got nice chairs and nice setups and everything.” Those comfy chairs proved to be a success. Jonathon went on to win the whole tournament.

This was the first external event of its kind in Bow Valley College's Esports Arena.

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