Manchester University hosted 220 high school students, representing 41 schools from Indiana and Ohio, for the annual Spartan Showdown tournament on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Spartan Showdown is a one-day, free-entry high school Super Smash Bros. Ultimate event organized by Manchester’s esports program. This is the University’s sixth year hosting the event.
The top player received a scholarship of $8,000 per year to Manchester University. Players who placed second and third received scholarships of $6,000 per year, and those who placed fourth through eighth received scholarships of $3,000 per year.
“We pride ourselves on creating the largest and most fun event in the Midwest, and I believe we did that again this year,” said Garrett Schieferstein, director of esports. “Thank you to all the students, staff, players and coaches who made this amazing day possible. We look forward to making Spartan Showdown 2026 even better.”
Learn more about esports at Manchester here.
For the media
For more information, contact Garrett Schieferstein, director of esports, at GDSchieferstein@manchester.edu.
Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.





