May Madness Takes Over Arlington: CECC Texas Hosts Record-Breaking Esports Fest
The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as the Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) Texas, sponsored by McDonald’s, gears up to host an unprecedented scholastic esports event from May 2-5 at Esports Stadium Arlington. Dubbed May Madness, the event is set to welcome over 800 student-athletes and thousands of spectators, making it the largest global scholastic esports festival to date.
A New Record in Esports Excellence
This year’s CECC Texas is breaking records with 84 teams, a significant increase from last year’s 64 teams. These teams will battle across popular titles such as Overwatch 2, Rocket League, VALORANT, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, vying for not just prize pools but also highly coveted trophies. This expansion reflects a growing interest in collegiate esports, propelled by increasing support from major brands and media entities.
Michael Schreck, CEO of Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG), expressed his enthusiasm about the event: “We are thrilled to showcase the best collegiate competitors from across the nation who have earned their spot in what is truly the apex scholastic event of the year. The scale of this event over the past four years is a testament to the burgeoning interest from all corners of the esports and gaming community.”
More Than Just a Tournament
CECC Texas is not just about the competition. The event also hosts the Texas High and Middle School Esports Championships and features championships for other major games organized by the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC). Additionally, attendees can participate in open tournaments for games like Street Fighter 6 and Teamfight Tactics, and even a special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Open sponsored by Smoothie King with a $5,000 prize pool.
The festival will also include the ESPORTSU Collegiate Awards, gaming-themed onsite activations, and various industry panels, making it a comprehensive celebration of esports culture.
Community and Support
The event is backed by a roster of renowned sponsors including McDonald’s of North Texas, State Farm, the U.S. Army 5th Brigade, and many others. Each sponsor plays a crucial role in enhancing the event experience, contributing to the vast array of activities available to participants and attendees alike.
David Floyd, a local McDonald’s Owner/Operator, shared his excitement about the community involvement: “Our team members are eager to welcome all competitors, coaches, and fans to experience everything CECC Texas has to offer. Given our past experiences, we anticipate an exceptional level of competition that will be a treat to watch both live and online.”
The Road to Texas
Leading up to the main event, CECC hosted several regional tournaments across the United States, including the Midwest Online Regional and various other live and online championships, solidifying the path to this monumental event.
Angela Bernhard Thomas, Chief Esports Officer at CSMG, summed up the event’s significance: “May Madness has not only become a cornerstone of competitive gaming but also bolsters the commercial sustainability of college esports. It complements traditional sports structures and elevates the entire esports ecosystem through its inclusive framework.”
As doors open and the games commence, all eyes will be on Arlington, where the future of collegiate esports continues to unfold in spectacular fashion. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or watching online, CECC Texas is poised to deliver an electrifying blend of competition and celebration in the world of collegiate esports.
