Mitchell deJong: Racing for the Win – and for the Team
Mitchell grew up around cars with his father owning a business that built off-road vehicles. Hanging out with him there all the time, one could say: racing was a logical next step. But it doesn’t just happen, you must want to race, and Mitchell deJong really did. He started with go-karts at age five and quickly moved through its classes, which led to some off-road and oval pavement racing and ultimately Rallycross in 2013. The simrig entered his life in 2011, originally as a training tool. But the American was fascinated by the competitive spirit of Esports that felt most challenging to him. As someone who always wants to push himself, the simrig just feels like his place to be.
“For me, I love trying to get everything out of myself on a daily basis, and in this sport, you need to keep pushing and working hard every day to stay ahead of the game.”
What sets deJong apart as a driver is not only his dedication, but especially his ability to read situations extremely quickly and to react even faster. He is a driver that draws from his experiences in a variety of racing classes, and he uses those experiences to keep the bigger picture in mind while racing. Always managing fuel, tyres, strategy, always watching out for his team. Having won an impressive number of titles already – for example the overall championship from the Le Mans Virtual Series (2022-2023) with his teammates – his next goal is clear: fighting for the title at the Esports World Cup in the ESL R1.
“I really enjoy the team aspect and for me, that's peak enjoyment working towards a common goal as a group.”
Titles:
2023
P1 | Gamers8 ESL R1 Team Champions
2022
P1 | Le Mans Virtual Championship
2021
P1 | BMW Sim GT Cup S1
2020
P1 | Subaru iRX All-Star Invitational
2019
P1 | BMW SIM Live Event
P1 |Sim Racing Expo GT500
2018
P1 | Porsche Sim Racing Summit
P1 | iRX World Championship
2017
P1 | Sim Racing Expo GT500
Real-World Accomplishments:
2019 - World Fastest Gamer Final Four
2017 - Red Bull Global Rallycross Supercar Rookie of the Year
2017 - Rallycross on Ice Championship - 1st
2016 - FIA World Rallycross Canada - 1st
2014 - Red Bull Global Rallycross Lites Championship - 1st
2014 - X-Games Rallycross - Gold Metal
2014 - FIA World Rallycross Lydden Hill - 1st
2013 - X-Games Rallycross - Silver Metal
2012 - Torc Pro Buggy Champion)
Competed in:
2024
ESL R1
2023
Gamers8
ESL R1
2022
eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series
24hrs of Le Mans Virtual
Le Mans Virtual Season
2021
eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series
24hrs of Le Mans Virtual
Le Mans Virtual Season
BMW Sim GT Cup S1
Porsche Esports Supercup
2020
eNASCAR Road to Pro
Subaru iRX All-Star Invitational
2019
BMW SIM Live Event
iRX World Championship
Porsche Esports Supercup
VRS GT World Championship
Sim Racing Expo GT500
2018
Porsche Sim Racing Summit
iRX World Championship
Sim Racing Expo GT500
VRS GT World Championship
World Championship Grand Prix Series
2017
Sim Racing Expo GT500
VRS GT World Championship
Real-World:
2019 - World Fastest Gamer
2017 - Red Bull Global Rallycross Supercar Rookie of the Year
2017 - Rallycross on Ice Championship
2016 - FIA World Rallycross Canada
2014 - Red Bull Global Rallycross Lites Championship
2014 - X-Games Rallycross
2014 - FIA World Rallycross Lydden Hill
2013 - X-Games Rallycross - Silver Metal
2012 - Torc Pro Buggy Champion)
