The Mecca has a new champion.

Hawaii-based program Rebel Squad flew in and took down Nighthawk Sports, 19-18, in a thrilling championship win at Pylon 7v7 Las Vegas.

Led by rising 2023 linebackers Liona Lefau and Leonard Ah You, Rebel Squad played tough defense throughout the tournament and was also efficient on offense despite high winds during elimination play on Sunday.

Rebel Squad went through a gauntlet of top teams before reaching the finale, knocking off the always tough Pink Outlaws, a red-hot Boise Tropics squad and Heir, which reached The Mecca title game last year.

Overall, Rebel Squad finished with an undefeated record at the event. The Hawaiians ran through pool play on Saturday, outscoring opponents by more than 60 points and only allowing 12 points in three games.

While Nighthawk Sports fell just short, it was an impressive run from a team that came into the tournament as a complete unknown. Utah-based Pink Outlaws always gives opposing teams fits, so it’s no surprise they reached the final four. Las Vegas-based Phase 1 was the other semifinalist.

Phase 1 put on a show for in its hometown and was led by one of the highest rated recruits in the country in 2023 athlete DeAndre Moore. Phase 1 also happened to pick up one of the most exciting wins of the event — a double overtime win over FSP, which won The Mecca in 2018, in the Sweet 16.

Nebraska-based NE Elite, Hawaii-based A-Town, Oregon-based E-Force and Boise Tropics all reached the quarterfinals.

Overall, it was another ultra-competitive Pylon Las Vegas, which is considered one of the strongest club 7v7 tournaments of the circuit.

The next stop for Pylon 7v7 will be in Denver on May 15.