Guenette Powers Through Regional Bracket, Advances to National Championship Stage

The Hudson Valley Community College esports team delivered an impressive showing in regional playoff action, highlighted by a standout run from Noah R. Guenette, who battled his way into the National Championship bracket with resilience and determination.

Entering the tournament as the No. 6 seed in his group, Guenette and his King K. Rool had little margin for error and a challenging path ahead. His opening matchup came against the No. 3 seed, a Yoshi player from Bryant & Stratton College–Virginia Beach—an opponent who had previously defeated him in the regular season. This time, Guenette flipped the script. Playing to his strengths and capitalizing on key opportunities, he secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory to open his playoff run.

Guenette's next test came against the No. 2 seed from East Georgia State College, a Luigi player who had dropped just one set all season. Despite a strong effort, Guenette fell in the matchup, sending him to the losers bracket.

Facing elimination, Guenette responded with composure. Matched up against the No. 5 seed from Lackawanna College—a Mario player who had also bested him earlier in the season—he showcased his ability to adjust under pressure. Guenette controlled the set and earned a decisive 3-1 victory to keep his tournament hopes alive.

His final match of the day brought a rematch against the No. 3 seed Yoshi from Bryant & Stratton College–Virginia Beach. With momentum on his side, Guenette delivered his most dominant performance of the tournament, sweeping the set 3-0 to punch his ticket to the National Championship bracket.

Guenette will return to competition on Tuesday, April 21, to compete in additional matches that will determine his seeding for the National Championship bracket, which begins Tuesday, April 28.