Emory University’s debate team took home the winning trophy on March 13 at this year’s American Debate Association National Championship, defeating Harvard University’s for the championship.

Seniors Viveth Karthikeyan and Kristen Lowe — both ranked in the top 10 in the country — were undefeated throughout the tournament, according to a news release.

“This was not my first tournament win, but it was my first national championship win. It felt fantastic,” Karthikeyan, a neuroscience major, said.

Both Karthikeyan and Lowe stayed on campus during their spring break, spending 10 hours each day on debate prep.

“Winning was a rewarding way to end a week of hard work,” said Lowe, who is majoring in quantitative sciences with a concentration in anthropology.

According to Ed Lee, executive director of Emory's Barkley Forum for Debate, Deliberation and Dialogue, Karthikeyan and Lowe are two of the best debaters to ever represent the university.

The duo will be competing in the upcoming National Debate Tournament in Kansas City March 24­­-27.

Read more about the champions at news.emory.edu.

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Orange Crush event organizers George Turner and Steven Smalls at the Tybee Pier on March 6, 2025 on Tybee Island, GA.(Justin Taylor/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

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Orange Crush event organizers George Turner and Steven Smalls at the Tybee Pier on March 6, 2025 on Tybee Island, GA.(Justin Taylor/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Justin Taylor for The Atlanta Journal Constitution