The Mountain West Conference, in partnership with Grand Canyon University, will host the 2026 Mountain West Esports Championships at the GCU Esports Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 11. This event will mark the first time a Mountain West Championship is held on the GCU campus.
Championship Details
The championship will feature grand finals in three popular esports titles: League of Legends, Overwatch 2, and VALORANT. National championship berths are at stake for competitors in each game.
Champions in Overwatch 2 and VALORANT will also earn bids, specifically to CECC May Madness in Waco, Texas. MW Esports Director Justin Packard stated that GCU has quickly become a valuable member of the Mountain West Esports community.
GCU’s Role
Jay DeShong, Director of Esports Operations at GCU, expressed his organization’s honor in hosting the championship. He noted that hosting the event reflects the growth of GCU’s esports program and the strength of its students and staff.
Those seeking more information about Mountain West Esports, including schedules and standings, can visit TheMW.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What games will be featured at the championship?
The 2026 Mountain West Esports Championships will feature grand finals for League of Legends, Overwatch 2, and VALORANT.
Where will the championship be held?
The championship will be held at the GCU Esports Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.
What is at stake for the winning teams?
Winning teams will receive national championship berths, with League of Legends and VALORANT champions receiving automatic bids from Riot Games and Overwatch 2 and VALORANT champions earning bids to CECC May Madness in Waco, Texas.
As collegiate esports continues to expand, how might partnerships between conferences and universities shape the future of competitive gaming?
