High School Students Claim Runner-Up in National eSports Championship for League of Legends

Central International High School's Triumph in eSports

In a remarkable showcase of skill and teamwork, students from Central International High School, based in Chiba Prefecture, achieved the runner-up position in the prestigious "Coca-Cola STAGE:0 eSPORTS High-School Championship 2025" in the League of Legends category.

The STAGE:0 tournament stands as Japan's largest high school eSports competition, bringing together student teams from across the country to compete for the coveted title of the best in Japan. Since its inception in 2019, the event aims to foster the growth of eSports as a competitive platform and nurture Japanese players to thrive on an international stage.

The League of Legends segment kicked off with qualifying rounds in early June, culminating in the Grand Finals, which took place offline at the EXPO Hall during the Kansai Expo on August 15, 2025.

The team representing Central International High School, known as "AI戦超級" (AI Senshōkyū), was composed entirely of five third-year students who regularly practice and study at the affiliated eSports High School. They entered the semifinals with confidence, demonstrating their prowess in team coordination during a match against Tonami Technical High School. True to their strengths, they executed a compelling strategy and showcased impressive teamwork, leading them to a decisive victory.

However, the final match against Clark Memorial International High School proved to be a challenging confrontation. Despite their earlier success, AI戦超級 found themselves countered effectively by the opposing team. As a result, they concluded the tournament with a commendable runner-up finish.

During the award ceremony, the students expressed their disappointment, sharing sentiments of wanting to perform better for their supporters who came to cheer them on. They mentioned feeling the pressure from such a strong rival and regretting not securing the victory. Nevertheless, the event hosts, including popular figures like Takushi Tanaka from Ungirls and Yusuke Inoue from NON STYLE, praised the team for their role in energizing the competition, affirming that they could return home with pride for their outstanding achievement.

Although the championship title eluded them this time, participating in an esteemed venue like the Kansai Expo, surrounded by numerous spectators, provided a valuable experience for the students. Central International High School is committed to empowering its students and fostering talents that can contribute to a sustainable society. Exciting opportunities lie ahead, and we eagerly anticipate further challenges from these dedicated youth.