Vancouver University makes history winning both BC and National MBA Games competitions

University Canada West (UCW), an innovative business and technology-oriented institution based in Vancouver, is thrilled to announce the first-place victory of its MBA Games team at the 2024 National MBA Games.

The competition, hosted by Brock University in Niagara Falls from January 5 to 7, is considered the largest Master of Business Administration competition in Canada and brings together the best of academia, industry and community.

Other competing schools were host Brock, University of Alberta, Simon Fraser, McMaster, University of Manitoba, York, Toronto Metropolitan University, Dalhousie, HEC Montreal, University of Ottawa, Carleton, University of Calgary, McGill, Western University and Laval.

“To participate in top competitions such as the national MBA Games is a privilege for us at University Canada West. After finishing fourth in our first time at the competition in 2023, we returned with a ton of experience and the aim to bring home the prestigious Queen’s Cup,” said Urvish Subodh, MBA Games team head coach and UCW faculty.

Throughout the weekend, students tackled academic, athletic and spirit challenges centred around the theme of “Transcend: Above and Beyond.” These activities were crafted to push boundaries and establish new benchmarks, with the aim of reshaping the future of business and society.

UCW’s team competed fiercely and emerged triumphant in the top position of sports. The team maintained an unbeaten record in dodgeball and won two out of three basketball games. Additionally, in the spirit competition, UCW’s MBA team secured the second spot overall and distinguished themselves as the highest fundraisers, partnering with Ivey School of Business to raise $14,000 of the $37,000 raised for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Recovery College Program.

“Congratulations to our exceptional MBA Games team for their outstanding performance at the national MBA Games. Their strategic brilliance, teamwork and dedication exemplify the spirit of excellence we cultivate at University Canada West,” said UCW President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bashir Makhoul. “Their victories at the recent BC and national MBA Games competitions not only showcase their remarkable talents but also underscores the strength of our academic programs.”

UCW’s MBA team was also victorious at the 2023 BC MBA Games in December, taking the top spot in all three categories – Sports, Spirit and Case – making UCW the first university to hold both trophies at the same time in the history of the national and BC MBA Games. As a result of this outstanding achievement, UCW has been honoured with the opportunity to host both the 2024 BC MBA Games and the 2025 MBA Games

“With limited time to prepare after winning the BC MBA Games in December, the hard work, dedication and perseverance of the team was evident in their performance,” said Urvish Subodh. “As a coach, I could not be prouder. Our diverse team represented their cultures, languages and the values we stand for at UCW on the national stage.”

The team’s co-captains, Uzma Khan and Jim Isaac, expressed what the win meant to the team.

“The intense competition beautifully showcased our team’s resilience, strategic acumen and unwavering determination,” Khan said. “This triumph, following our win at the 2023 BC MBA Games, reaffirms our unwavering commitment to excellence. From humble beginnings in local competitions to the pinnacle of national success, our journey epitomizes passion, teamwork and an indomitable spirit.”

“There are dreams, and then there is reality. Very few times in life do both become one. It was a great honour to lead a team that would win the BC MBA Games, and it was a dream come true to lead a team that would bring home the Queen’s Cup,” said Isaac. “Our team has won a competition that brought together many of the top business schools in Canada that, on average, have existed for over 50 years. It is no ordinary feat and a testament to the role that UCW will play in shaping the business world in Canada and internationally.”

The MBA Games, Canada’s largest collegiate business case competition, brings together MBA students from across the country. Integrating academic challenges, athletic competitions and community spirit, it emphasizes charity and social responsibility while providing valuable networking opportunities for academic and professional development.

Published on January 17, 2024.