MN State Finals 2025
The Minnesota State Finals are the crown jewel of Fenworks’ esports calendar, a tournament where energy runs high, competition is fierce, and the community shows up in full force. It’s not just an event; it’s a celebration of students, schools, and the culture that’s grown around esports in Minnesota.
For me, the challenge was clear: how do you capture an event of this scale, two competition areas buzzing with action, students playing their hearts out, and the electric atmosphere of a live crowd, through both photography and video? It wasn’t just about documenting matches; it was about bottling the spirit of the Finals, the little stories that make it unique, and the pride of students who see themselves as champs.
Skills Contributed:
Art Direction ● Videography ● Video Editing ● Photography
Behind the Vision
From the start, I knew this project needed to do more than highlight winners. It needed to tell the full story of what makes the Minnesota State Finals unlike any other event in the region. That meant staying light on my feet, balancing camera work between two simultaneous competition areas, and staying tuned into the moments that define the culture of the community.
Beyond the matches themselves, I looked for the human side of esports, the inside jokes, the traditions, and the creativity students bring to the event. From the “Bubblegum Boys,” a team known for bringing twelve buckets of Dubble Bubble to every match, to students cosplaying as their favorite in-game characters, these moments of personality and passion made the Finals unforgettable. My goal was to freeze those snapshots in photos and highlight them in video, so students could see themselves not just as players but as part of a growing tradition.
Every dynamic camera pan, every candid shot of a clutch play, and every photo of a student celebrating with their team was intentional. Together, the visuals told a story of energy, community, and the joy of competition, showing that the Finals are more than a tournament; they’re a cultural touchstone for Minnesota students.
Where It Landed
The results exceeded expectations. The recap video became our most impactful yet, earning the highest engagement of any Fenworks video to date and generating 10 inbound leads from Minnesota schools alone. The photos became equally powerful, circulating widely on social media, with many students interacting directly with Fenworks, reposting their shots, and even making them their profile pictures.
The tournament cemented its reputation as the premier esports event of the season in Minnesota, not just because of the competition, but because of the way the visuals gave students the spotlight. By capturing not only the gameplay but the personality, culture, and unique traditions of the event, the Finals became a story the community could carry forward with pride.
