Pitsco Education and the USAEL are the Official Sponsors of the TTSA 2025-2026 Academic Esports Competition
The USAEL's Texas TSA academic Esports Competition brings together the best of both worlds: a fast-paced Madden NFL esports tournament and a coding challenge. Students compete in both arenas—flexing their teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving skills—all while preparing for real-world careers in gaming, computer science, and technology.
In the academic portion of the competition, teams of two will use their Python skills to build an interactive, football-themed command-line application. These projects are judged on user experience, interactivity, problem-solving, and technical skill. Participants receive access to the Mastery Coding's Introduction to Computer Science course, developing real-world programming skills while engaging with a topic they love.
-min.webp)
Stage 1
Each team begins their journey with a virtual regional tournament. Using our USAEL competition platform, teams play 2v2 in a single- or double-elimination bracket. The top 64 teams across regions qualify for the in-person finals.
Stage 2
Finalists advance to a live, two-day showdown at the TSA State Conference. Compete in 2v2 matchups for rings, medals, and ultimate bragging rights. Day 1 features single elimination to determine the top 8; Day 2 crowns the champion through double elimination.
Schools and coaches won’t compete alone. Each team gets access to the Pathway Esports Toolkit—a tailored set of resources designed to help you start, manage, and grow an esports team. You’ll receive competition guides, technology checklists, and insights into roles and skills that drive success in academic esports.
-min.webp)
Register your teams between May 15 and November 1, 2025 to participate in the TSA Academic Esports Competition!
June 15 - November 1, 2025
January 20 - February 13, 2026
April 9 - 10, 2026
Upgrade to the USAEL Academic Esports Bundle to get access to 4 courses of your choice. From career exploration and broadcasting to introductory coding courses, use engaging curriculum to help your students pursue their passion for gaming into college and career pathways. Also includes additional competition in the USAEL's national league.
Students explore a variety of high-paying professions inside the dynamic, multi-billion dollar industry of esports.
Learn more >
Students learn entrepreneurship and small business concepts through the esports and gaming industry, aligned with the Certiport ESB certification.
Learn more >.webp)
Students with no prior coding experience learn how to conceptualize, design and build their very own game using JavaScript.
Learn more >
In this hands-on course, students explore broadcasting fundamentals and learn both technical and soft skills needed to start their own streams.
Learn more >
Students use HTML and CSS to design, create, and breathe life into visually appealing web pages from scratch.
Learn more >
Elevate your students' understanding of AI with a unique afterschool experience that combines the excitement of academic esports with hands-on learning.
Learn more >
.png)