ESports at RINAZ

03/04/2026

This past Saturday, we wrapped up the 2026 Smash + Kart eSports League. Thank you to all 10 of our eAthletes!

Here are the final standings:
- Team Mario was our season Team Champ going 6-0 in Mario Kart World and 6-4 in Super Smash Bros. The team MVP is Annalise, the Old Faithful award goes to August, and Most Improved Player is Everett.

- Team Yoshi put up a stellar effort and came to play every week. The Team MVP is Marlee, the Old Faithful award goes to Evie, and Most Improved Player is Eliza.

02/19/2026

Get ready for week 5 with some great tips!
See you Saturday at Noon.

Here’s a list of the top 10 beginner mistakes holding you back in Mario Kart World.We’ll start with simple changes that total beginners can make right away, ...

02/07/2026

The stage is set for week 3!
11:55 Arrival
Noon Stage 1
12:30 Pit Stop (snacks + devo)
12:45 Stage 2

Mario Kart World + Super Smash Bros Ultimate

01/31/2026

Week #2 eSports
11:55 arrival
12 noon stage 1
12:30 pit stop
12:45 stage 2
1:15 free play

01/21/2026

⏰ 3 DAYS AWAY!!

This Saturday at Noon, the battles begin! This year's Smash + Kart eSports League is going to be so much fun.

If you haven't registered your 4th-12th grader, don't wait! https://tithe.ly/event-registration/ #/10731753

🏁 If you already registered, check your email for the full scoop!

🏎️ Start your engines and stretch those thumbs, the competition starts Saturday!

01/03/2026

Coming Saturdays this winter, Smash + Kart eSports League!

Grades 4 to 12 welcome!

Register Today: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/ #/10731753

This season will feature the Nintendo Switch 2 and allow fun competition in Mario Kart World and Super Smash Bros.

12/19/2025

2026 @ RINAZ (Rock Island First Church of the Nazarene)

🏎️ Smash + Kart League
🕛 Saturdays at noon to 1:30PM
🗓️ Starting January 24 through February 28
📲 Register: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/ #/10731753

12/14/2024

Last night we wrapped our first eSports Mario Kart season! We had a double elimination tournament and CJ was our winner. Everyone did a great job this season and we are excited for our next season. Thank you to parents and friends who made sure our players made it every week!

12/13/2024

2 new gaming stations? 2 new gaming stations!!

Tonight we wrap up our Mario Kart league with a pizza party and 3 total stations of Mario Kart tournament play.

Thanks to the generosity of some donors we were able to purchase these desks, monitors, and chairs. Thank you!!

12/04/2024

Last month, Northern Illinois University hosted the Illinois High School eSports State Championships. This included the finals for Mario Kart, along with other games. The Quad Cities was represented by United Township HS!

- Many high schools and universities have eSports teams for various multiplayer games.

- NIU in particular not only has teams, but also offers eSports as minor in the College of Education.

We are excited to play a role in offering eSports to our community. We believe we have a unique opportunity to have fun, develop players in skill, teamwork, and social skills, as well as provide a safe environment.

The Esports Arena will be closed this weekend Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday November 24th for the Illinois High School Esports Association Rocket League and Mario Kart 8 Championships on Saturday and Valorant on Sunday! Spectators are welcome for each championship, which will be held in the Esports Arena and Altgeld Ballroom, however open play will not be available.

Additionally, the Esports Arena will close for Thanksgiving break on Wednesday, November 27th. We will reopen on Monday, December 2nd for our final week of open play of the semester.

11/30/2024

Our week 5 showdown was last night with team Mario getting the "W" in a great 8 race battle. We welcomed 3 new racers to the competition and everyone had a lot of fun competing in the Boomerang and Feather cups.

Our pitstop included this devotional: In Mario Kart, crossing the finish line brings a sense of accomplishment. In our Christian journey, crossing the finish line represents our ultimate victory in Christ. As we faithfully run our race, let us keep the faith until the very end, knowing that our reward is not just a fleeting trophy but an eternal crown of righteousness. (Ref. 2 Timothy 4:7-8)

11/02/2024

Last night our devotional taught us that God's blessings are like a power-up!

Devotional: In Mario Kart, power-ups can give us the edge we need to succeed. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, God blesses us with gifts and opportunities to overcome obstacles.

Scripture: James 1:17 (NIV) - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."