The Road to CECC Texas, a series of collegiate esports events, is reaching its climax as 137 teams representing over 750 players prepare to compete in the online Last Chance Qualifier on April 1st – 2nd. The Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG) announced that the winning teams will secure the final four bids for the Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) Texas presented by McDonald’s. This event is the largest multi-conference gathering of collegiate esports programs, with 64 teams competing in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, and VALORANT.
The CECC Texas, dubbed the “May Madness” of collegiate esports, will take place on May 6th – 7th at the Esports Stadium Arlington. Official seeding will be announced during the Seed Selection Show presented by Barbasol on May 2nd, 2023. The Last Chance Qualifier has seen a 100% increase in team participation compared to last year’s event.
The Road to CECC Texas has included four regional qualifiers: CECC South in October 2022 (virtually), CECC East in November 2022 (in-person LAN event at Rutgers University), CECC West on March 4th – 5th at Boise State University during the 2023 Big Sky Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, and CECC Midwest (virtually) on March 25th – 26th.
Additional qualifiers have featured the Paidia Cup CECC Qualifier presented by Xbox on March 11th- 12th, where Carlton University FE became the first all-women’s team to compete for the VALORANT title during CECC Texas. The St. Clair Saints will compete in VALORANT and Overwatch 2 after winning the Canada Qualifier on March 18th – 19th. The inaugural CECC HBCU Qualifier presented by McDonald’s is taking place online this week, and the CECC Military Qualifier will be held on April 8th – 9th.
CECC Texas will offer more than just competition, featuring a weekend festival atmosphere with a Vendor Village, Career Fair, Partner Activations, Cosplay Costume Contests, Esports Celebrity Meet & Greets, and a Technology Expo. ESPORTSU will also host the first live College Esports Awards Show during CECC Texas, recognizing outstanding performance and leadership among selected coaches, players, programs, brands, and facilities.
