Among millions of “League of Legends” gamers, Ohio Northern University brothers Kyle and Kaden Techentin have risen to legendary status. The ONU esports players consistently rank within the top .1% to .01% of all competitors, placing them among the best collegiate players in North America.
“Nationally, even against full-ride D1 schools, Kyle and Kaden have been part of ONU rosters that have ranked in the top 10 ‘League of Legends’ collegiate teams. They’ve garnered trophies from multiple conferences every year, and been undefeated in the Great Lakes Esports Conference (GLEC) for five years,” said ONU Esports Coach Troy Chiefari.
What does it take to achieve team greatness and become a top 300 (Kyle) and top 500 (Kaden) player in North America?
A fierce competitive spirit, relentless practice, and the power of brotherly support.
Kyle and Kaden graduate in May, but their esports accomplishments set a high bar for ONU’s teams going forward.
“They’ve motivated everyone in the program,” said Chiefari,“ and they’ve showed us that an esports team this excellent is possible at Northern.”
The Making of Champions
Growing up in Dublin, Ohio, Kyle and Kaden were competitive soccer players who turned to video games when they needed to de-stress from the intensity of the soccer field.
“League of Legends”—a multiplayer online battle arena game—became their favorite.
“I’d compare it to 3-D chess,” said Kyle. “You need the mental capacity required for chess, but you also have to be able to mechanically play the game. You need to think on your feet—but think and act.”
Kyle, who is one year older than Kaden, initially decided to continue playing soccer in college. But after a severe knee injury, he shifted his focus to esports. He chose ONU for the strength of its computer science engineering program and its growing esports program.
“A lot of people who play video games come from a sports background,” he explained. “They do it for the same reasons they play sports—they like to compete and have fun.”
As Kyle’s passion for collegiate gaming skyrocketed at ONU, Kaden followed in his footsteps a year later, majoring in exercise physiology and joining the esports team.
A Tale of Two Brothers
“The brothers are almost polar opposites in terms of personality and demeanor,” said Chiefari. “But their values are the same. Neither one is satisfied with themselves unless they are progressing.”
Kyle is hyper-focused and analytical, spending hours dissecting his strategy. Kaden, on the other hand, thrives in the moment, learning through experience. While Kyle doesn’t hold back critiquing and pushing his teammates, Kaden tells jokes and makes sure everyone is having fun.
Yet, excelling in esports—just like in any athletic pursuit—requires consistent practice to develop skill and muscle memory. Both brothers set lofty goals and put in the effort required to achieve them. Together, they turned ONU’s “League of Legends” team into a powerhouse, and they have the trophies to prove it.
With their high level of game skill, either could have pursued a professional esports career, with the potential to earn six-figure salaries in tournaments. Kyle even took a semester off to explore this option, but ultimately decided he wanted more balance in his life.
Gaming for 14+ hours a day—which is what’s required for professionals— proved too intense, he explained.
That balance is one of the key reasons that the brothers chose ONU’s esports program in the first place.
“At ONU, your academic success is the top priority,” said Kaden.
The Future of the Techentin Legacy
While Kyle plans to pursue a computer science engineering career focused on cybersecurity, Kaden plans to use his gaming achievements as a stepping stone for graduate school in physical or occupational therapy.
“Reaching the top 500 among North American players means I can receive a full tuition scholarship to any graduate school if I sign up to play or coach esports,” he said.
Beyond trophies and rankings, esports has shaped both brothers in lasting ways. They’ve learned leadership, teamwork, and the value of lifting up those around them. They’ve also made lifelong friends and lasting memories. They credit Coach Chiefari for cultivating an environment of growth and camaraderie.
“In esports, just like in life, you realize it’s not just about yourself,” said Kaden. “So, you learn to lift up your teammates.”
That bond extends to their own relationship, even if they don’t always show their mutual affection and admiration.
“The most we say to one another is ‘nice job’—but that goes a long way,” said Kaden. “We both trust each other to perform.”
As the Techentin brothers’ graduation draws near, Chiefari admits he has already shed a few tears thinking about their absence.
“I’m going to miss them, their parents are going to miss watching their games, and I sure hope ONU esports gets more students like them in the future.”
Their legacy, however, is here to stay. The standard they set—both in competition and teamwork—will continue to inspire future generations of ONU gamers.