Community Updates: MWF & Gamer Night at The K

Pioneers fans,
June is off to a strong start for the Pioneers. Our Brawl Stars, Rocket League, and iRacing teams all navigated milestone competitions. We also saw many fans at Midwest Fest, where we hosted another event in our Stateline Showdown Series. Meanwhile, we are ramping up for more community engagement in Kansas City at Gamer Night at the K later this month. Below are the Pioneers' recent highlights since the last newsletter:

• Pioneers Bring Stateline Showdown Series to Midwest Fest 

• Join the Pioneers at Gamer Night at Kauffman Stadium

• Brawl Stars Advance to Monthly Finals

• iRacing Takes On Darlington Raceway and Iowa Speedway

• Rocket League Competes in OCE Open Qualifier 6

Pioneers Bring Stateline Showdown Series to Midwest Fest

The Pioneers were thrilled to bring the Stateline Showdown Series to Midwest Fest 2024, held from June 7 to 9 at Hy-Vee Arena in West Bottoms, Kansas City. This exciting multi-day event celebrated regional gamers, creators, and artists, providing a perfect backdrop for the Pioneers' premier 3v3 Apex Legends tournament.

Sponsored by the Army National Guard, the Stateline Showdown Series featured a $3,500 3v3 Apex Legends tournament held on June 8, attracting top talent and fierce competition. This tournament was part of a series of events within the Stateline Showdown Series, marking one stop in a year-long programming effort designed to highlight and elevate competitive gaming across the region. Gamers from across the area gathered to showcase their skills and vied for the coveted top spot in this exhilarating tournament. The energy in the arena was palpable as teams battled it out, delivering unforgettable moments of gameplay.

In addition to the intense competition, the Pioneers brought along several of their creators to Midwest Fest, including N1CKRICH, MrMasterWong, and oglittlehippie. Fans had the unique opportunity to meet and interact with their favorite content creators, enhancing the community spirit of the event. This engagement was a highlight for many attendees, fostering connections and creating lasting memories.

To further elevate the excitement, the Pioneers hosted a special giveaway during the Stateline Showdown Series. Attendees had the chance to win an Xbox Series X and a PlayStation 5, but any fan could enter the drawing virtually, regardless of whether they could attend Midwest Fest. The winners were announced after Midwest Fest, capping off the celebration on a high note.

The Pioneers' participation in Midwest Fest 2024, through the Stateline Showdown Series, underscored their commitment to fostering community and showcasing competitive excellence. This event, as part of the year-long Stateline Showdown Series, was a resounding success, bringing together the best of gaming talent and fan engagement in a thrilling, community-centered atmosphere.

Pioneers Brawl Stars Advance to Monthly Finals 

The Pioneers Brawl Stars team showcased their competitive edge in the June North America Monthly Qualifier, which took place between June 8-9. The qualifier featured a double-elimination bracket with all matches played in a best-of-3 format. Each month, the top 8 teams earn a spot in the Monthly Finals, vying for glory and substantial rewards.

In the June qualifier, the Pioneers received a bye in the first round. In the second round, they faced off against PDF Team and secured a decisive 2-0 victory. The momentum continued into the third round, where the Pioneers triumphed over West Coast with a 2-1 win, earning them a top 4 position and a place in the Monthly Finals.

The Monthly Finals, set for June 23, will see the Pioneers compete for a share of the $40,000 prize pool. Fans can watch the action live on Twitch and cheer on the Pioneers as they aim for victory.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to support the Pioneers in their quest for success in the Brawl Stars Monthly Finals!

Grab Your Tickets: Gamer Night at Kauffman Stadium 2024

Are you a gaming enthusiast looking for a unique experience that combines your love of sports and gaming? If so, don't miss out on Gamer Night at Kauffman Stadium on June 27! This exciting event, in partnership with the Kansas City Royals, promises to be an unforgettable evening of entertainment and fun for all ages.

With the purchase of a theme ticket, you'll receive the exclusive Royals Pixelated Hat, a must-have collector's item for any true fan. Plus, you'll have the chance to meet the Pioneers and see our Content Creators compete in the entertaining Hot Dog Derby. Additionally, you can watch the Royals take on the Guardians in what promises to be an exciting game.

This unique event is the perfect way to show off your passion for gaming and your support for the Kansas City Royals. Don't miss your chance to take home a piece of the action and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your ticket today and join us for an evening filled with excitement, gaming, and baseball at Kauffman Stadium!

iRacing x Darlington Raceway and Iowa Speedway 

Wyatt Tinsley and Graham Bowlin, the Pioneers eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series drivers, placed 28th and 7th on May 28 at the Darlington Raceway. They also placed 4th and 3rd on June 11 at the Iowa Speedway. So far, Tinsley is ranked 18th, and Bowlin is ranked 16th among the top 40 iRacing drivers in this season's competition. Their combined rank puts the Pioneers in 9th place of the 20 teams competing this season. 

For fans who missed the race, click here to watch the Darlington replay and here to watch the Iowa replay. The pros' next race will be held at the virtual Nashville Superspeedway on June 25 at 7:00 pm CST. Tune in to NASCAR's Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook channels to watch the competition. 

Pioneers Compete in Oceania Open Qualifier 6

Between May 25 and June 2, the QuikTrip Pioneers competed in the Oceania Open Qualifier 6, the last open qualifier before teams advance to the RLCS International Major in London, scheduled for June 20-23. Throughout the Open Qualifiers, teams vied for RLCS points, with the top 2 teams from the Oceania region advancing to the International Major in London.

In the Top 48 double elimination bracket, the QuikTrip Pioneers first faced Chiaroscurists, securing a decisive 3-0 victory. They continued their winning streak by defeating Composure 3-0, advancing to the Swiss Stage. During the Swiss Stage, the QuikTrip Pioneers showcased their skills by narrowly defeating Alors On Danse 3-2, overcoming Composure again with a 3-1 score, and sweeping Gaming Gamers 3-0 to progress to the Playoffs, where the top 8 teams competed.

In the Playoffs, the QuikTrip Pioneers displayed exceptional performance, dominating Alors On Danse with a 4-0 victory and continuing their impressive run by defeating Chiefs Esports Club 4-0 to advance to the Grand Final. Unfortunately, the Pioneers fell short in the Grand Final, losing 1-4 to PWR, and secured a commendable second-place finish.

Throughout the Open Qualifiers, PWR and Chiefs Esports Club earned 65 and 49 RLCS points, respectively, securing their spots in the International Major in London. The QuikTrip Pioneers finished in 3rd place for Split 2 and have accumulated 76 points for the season. The team eagerly awaits the results of the London Major in hopes the point total will be enough to qualify for the RLCS 2024 World Championship in Fort Worth, Texas, from September 10-15.

Despite the setback, the QuikTrip Pioneers remain determined and focused on their journey to the World Championship. Stay tuned for more updates on their progress as they continue to strive for excellence in the competitive Rocket League scene.