Wallace State Esports Competitor Arian Kennedy Reflects National Championship Runner-Up Finish

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College Esports competitor Arian Kennedy and his teammate Christopher James Donahoo had a strong run on the national championship stage, before falling just short in a 3-1 series. The team finished National Champion Runners Up in the NJCAA Esports Division II for the Fortnite Elimination Race (No Build) category.

Kennedy said his team’s strategy developed as they advanced during the season. “During the playoffs, we found a strategy that works best for us,” Kennedy said. 

The duo adapted dynamically throughout the match. In the early game, aggressive positioning allowed one player to disrupt opponents immediately. By mid-game, they would regroup. “I go to him after I get as many kills as I can, and we both start taking their kills as many as we can try to keep them on the downside of it.” 

That coordination developed from the first day the pair met. Kennedy said he has known Donahoo since his first days at Wallace State, and their bond extends well beyond the game.

“I’ve known him since my first semester here. And we hang out all the time, and we play all the time,” Kennedy said.

Being part of Wallace State’s Esports program has sharpened their decision-making, Kennedy said. He noted learning to “pick and choose” fights carefully: “Because we’re playing technically two versus a full squad… If I see a full squad that’s grouped together, I’m not going to take it versus a squad that’s grouped separately.”

They credit strong communication with their coach as the most valuable school support this season. “The coach, and like the communication we have with him,” stood out as key to their success, Kennedy said.

For Kennedy, the national championship holds a special weight. He and his cousin played the game together consistently when it first came out. His cousin helped create the gamer tag SolarKennedy, this name has become part of Kennedy’s identity. Tragically, his cousin died by suicide in 2022. Competing at this level now serves as a tribute to him.

“This means a lot more to me just competing for a national championship. Being able to play in his honor. It’s really good.”

To incoming students thinking about joining Esports, Kennedy offered simple and inviting advice. “It doesn’t take too much time. It’s play here, play at home. It can be fun, especially if you have a friend to play with, and it’s a good way to make new friends as well.”

While Esports hasn’t drastically shifted their career paths yet the experience remains meaningful. “If I ever become like a streamer full-time, then obviously that’d be something pretty dope,” Kennedy added with a laugh.

If you would like to watch this Duo fight in this dynamic match the video is available here: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2753040444

Anyone interested in joining the Wallace State Esports team may contact Greg Knight at gregory.knight@wallacestate.edu or 256.352.8158.

The summer semester is underway, with registration still available for Mini Term II classes that begin July 2. Registration is also open for the fall 2026 semester, with classes beginning Aug. 17. Visit www.wallacestate.edu for more information, call 256.352.8236, or email lioncentral@wallacestate.edu.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.