By NIK ROBERTS
For The Reporter
In an electrifying showcase of skill and camaraderie, Emagine Theatre in Noblesville transformed into the epicenter of the Midwest’s competitive gaming scene with the inaugural Jumpstart 2024 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament.
The groundbreaking event, organized by YES! Gaming in collaboration with Indy Smash Bros and Noble PC, attracted the region’s top players, marking a significant milestone for central Indiana’s eSports community.
The tournament’s atmosphere was charged with excitement as players and spectators alike took over Emagine Theatre. With Theater No. 1 serving as the battleground for the Ladder Bracket and a lounge where spectators could watch the events broadcast on the big screen, and the Party Room hosting the Doubles Bracket, the event offered a comprehensive experience.
Logan “Queso” Park added a nostalgic touch with his Retro Smash Bros. setup featuring a big, old-style television, while Theater No. 18 provided a main stage for competitors to showcase their talents.
Indiana’s No. 1-ranked player, Mason “Woulphy” Wolfe, came in at third place losing against victorious Stephen “Doorstop” Schmidt from Ohio, who triumphed over Derrick “Eclipz” Reaves from Chicago in a nail-biting final match, securing the title of Jumpstart 2024 Grand Champion after an impressive eight-game winning streak. This victory underscored the high level of competition and skill present at the event.
Sal Surra, a spokesperson for YES! Gaming, expressed his enthusiasm for the event.
“Jumpstart is about the players and community,” Surra said. “We are so happy to host these great eSports competitions to bring gamers together, share experiences, and provide them outlets to earn more opportunities. We’re thrilled with the turnout and looking forward to hosting more of these regional tournaments.”
Behind the Mic: Collin “Prod” Castellano & Nathan “Strawbs” Rice deliver expert commentary for the Jumpstart 2024 HCTV broadcast. (Photo provided by Nik Roberts / noble-pc.com)
YES! Gaming’s location in Fishers at 11447 Overlook Drive is home to a local Super Smash Bros. weekly tournament at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday, featuring top players within the state like Jeremy “Boogie” Kelly and Wesley “Wes” P, the winners of Jumpstart’s Doubles Bracket. Starting in March, you can tune to Hamilton County TV to watch these weekly events. Make sure to keep up to date with HCTV1.com for more information.
Jack Sibbitt, the organizer of the event, aimed to make the event to showcase the immense talent within the gaming community and contributing to a charitable cause. In a significant move, Jumpstart 2024 supported the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana, raising awareness and donations, exemplifying the event’s positive impact beyond gaming.
With over 150 participants and reaching a global audience through extensive streaming of more than 400, Jumpstart 2024 not only celebrated the competitive spirit of gaming but also highlighted central Indiana’s growing role in the global eSports landscape. The event’s success, amplified by the support from the community, sponsors, and organizations like Noble PC, sets a promising precedent for the region’s future in eSports.
As central Indiana’s premier regional eSports event post-COVID, Jumpstart 2024 has laid the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting future for gaming enthusiasts in the area. The collaboration and support from all involved herald a vibrant continuation of eSports events, fostering a sense of unity and excitement within the community.
For an in-depth dive into the electrifying showdowns of Jumpstart 2024, including the climactic final bracket, comprehensive player stats, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, head over to start.gg/jumpstart-3.
Photos provided by Nik Roberts / noble-pc.com