The NECC has partnered with Future Play Festival to help power the inaugural Future Play Collegiate Esports Showdown, which will take place October 2–4, 2026, in Peoria, Illinois.
The Future Play Collegiate Esports Showdown will feature:
- National Rocket League competition with 256 collegiate teams competing through online qualifiers
- A $50,000 prize pool with the top 24 teams advancing to the live championship in Peoria
- Three days of esports, live entertainment, music, creator programming, immersive gaming experiences, and technology activations
- National livestream broadcasts, creator content, and celebrity exhibition matches
Format and schedule for the online qualifiers
Registration is open now and will run through Monday, August 24th
Day 1: Sat, August 29, with up to 3 matches beginning at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM ET
Day 2: Sat, September 5, with up to 3 matches beginning at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM ET
Please note: Regardless of performance on Day 1, all teams will play in the Swiss matches on Day 2.
Day 1: Sat, August 29, with up to 3 matches beginning at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM ET
Day 2: Sat, September 5, with up to 3 matches beginning at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM ET
Please note: Regardless of performance on Day 1, all teams will play in the Swiss matches on Day 2.
After six total Swiss rounds (up to three each Saturday), a weighted percentage of teams from each division will qualify for the live finals.
September 6-15 is the eligibility verification period, during which qualifying teams will confirm their collegiate affiliation and roster eligibility.
The top 24 verified teams will advance to the in-person finals in Peoria, Illinois which will take place October 2-4 with travel and hotel accommodations provided by Cinematic.
September 6-15 is the eligibility verification period, during which qualifying teams will confirm their collegiate affiliation and roster eligibility.
The top 24 verified teams will advance to the in-person finals in Peoria, Illinois which will take place October 2-4 with travel and hotel accommodations provided by Cinematic.
ABOUT FUTURE PLAY
For more information, please visit their website which can be found at https://www.futureplayfestival.com/
The NECC fosters innovative competition experiences, provides quality broadcasting services, and works to support an inclusive community within collegiate esports. The NECC was started to provide the collegiate gaming community with the respect it warranted and deserved. The conference prides itself on responding to the needs of its schools, directors, coaches, and most importantly - its players.
With more than 500 colleges and universities currently competing, the NECC strives to be a positive home for the collegiate gaming community.
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