DEER LAKE — Gamers from across Schuylkill County displayed their football acumen at a Madden NFL tournament Saturday at Fighter’s Heaven.
With the help of several sponsors, the event raised $1,250 in proceeds, all of which will go to the St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, said Mick Stefanek, the camp’s general manager.
Local businesses and organizations pitched in to help to ensure another successful event. Saturday’s event — the third annual tournament — drew about 20 participants.
The winner was Brady Dagon, who wore a Philadelphia Eagles jersey, but played as the Baltimore Ravens en route to claiming the camp’s “March Madden” title.
The runner-up was Tyler Valentine, of Schuylkill Haven.
The tournament, which began Saturday morning and wrapped up around 1:30 p.m., involved single-elimination matchups on eight PlayStation 5 consoles set up with “Madden NFL 25.”
“It went well,” Stefanek said.
At the end of the event, Brady proudly hoisted up the camp’s March Madden trophy, where his name will appear alongside the first two winners, Brock Polinsky and Joey Simpson.
Each participant received a Fighter’s Heaven T-shirt, and the top eight won cash prizes.
Stefanek credits volunteers Jordan Green and Chris Smith for spearheading the event.
The event was supported by the following sponsors: Boyer’s, Weis, Bowers Home Improvement, Culture 2 Culture, District Judge A.J. Serina, M&M Redzone, Walmart, Dunkin’, Spotts Insurance Group, Madden Charities, as well as two who wished to remain anonymous.
Additionally, Aaron’s Rent to Own contributed all of the gaming consoles and furniture, Stefanek said.
Last year’s tournament, which raised $1,150, benefited Servants to All in Pottsville. Each edition of the tournament is devoted to a different organization.
