MIDLAND, MICH. — Northwood University Esports begins its 2026-2027 competitive season
with a strong start for the Varsity Rocket League team qualifying for the Future Play Festival
LAN event on the October 4th weekend for $50,000 in Peoria, Illinois.

Competitors:
Gwilym “Creamz” Muir
João “Motta” Vitor Brito Motta
Arthur “DRUFINHO” Langsch Miguel
Andrew “Druee” Prill (Substitute)
Nicholas ”Nick” Marrone (Coach)

The additions of Motta and Miguel to the starting lineup of the Varsity Rocket League
team, alongside junior Gwilym Muir, kicked off early in the semester with a two-week
qualification process for the Future Play Festival in Peoria, Illinois. The trio battled over 100
teams to qualify within the top 24, securing priority seeding in the Future Play Festival
event. Marking the first event of its kind, the Timberwolves battled through two stages of
competition facing opponents from across the United States of America:

Stage 1 Double Elimination:

3-0 West Virginia University (Lotus)
3-1 University of Tennessee
Stage 2 Swiss Stage:

3-0 Southeastern Oklahoma State University

3-0 Akron University (Blue)
1-3 Concord University
3-0 Boise State University

Captain Gwilym Muirr’s words on the adaptation of the team as they progress through the
competitive season: “I am really pleased with how we are playing and communicating.
With English not being their [Motta and Miguel] first language, it can be difficult for players
to communicate in their non-native dialect. However, they have worked diligently to adapt
to our communication style to cover any miscommunications out of our play”. Motta and
Miguel continue to pursue excellence since their time becoming Timberwolves as both
players work hard in and out of the classroom.

Joining the Varsity Rocket League team in Peoria, Sophomore Esports Student Broadcast
Lead, Kevin “Kevdog” Gualberti was selected to commentate the $50,000 event. Gualberti
will join the few student broadcasters chosen from multiple institutions to cover the event.
This will mark the 3rd LAN for Gualberti since joining the Timberwolf family.

Written by Kevin Gualberti