Pitsco Education & the USAEL

Texas Technology Student Association (TTSA) Esports Competition

Pitsco Education and the USAEL are the Official Sponsors of the TTSA 2025-2026 Academic Esports Competition

United States Academic Esports League

A Unique Blend of Competition and Career Readiness

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.

Texas TSA

The Academic Competition

Build a Madden Inspired Python Application

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.

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High school student working on a programming project in front of his computer.

The Esports Competition

Compete Like a Pro in
Madden NFL

Stage 1

Virtual Regional Qualifiers

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

Live State Championship

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.

Resources

Support Every Step of the Way

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.

  • Toolkit Access: Step-by-step team setup and practice resources
  • Coaching Support: Competition guidebooks
  • Tech Help: Hardware requirements and setup guides
  • Scrimmage Ladders: Pre-tournament competition opportunities
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An esports team collectively celebrating a win in an esports tournament.

2025-2026 Competition Timeline

Register your teams between May 15 and November 1, 2025 to participate in the TSA Academic Esports Competition!

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Important Dates

Registration Open/Close

June 15 - November 1, 2025

Academic Project Submission Period

January 20 - February 13, 2026

Virtual Regional Competitions

  • November 15, 2025
  • February 9, 2026

Live Championship

April 9 - 10, 2026

Power Up

Take your students beyond the TTSA Competition with the USAEL Academic Esports Bundle

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.

Esports broadcast production room

Career Explorations in Esports

Students explore a variety of high-paying professions inside the dynamic, multi-billion dollar industry of esports.

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Men in an esports arena behind the scenes

Esports Business

Students learn entrepreneurship and small business concepts through the esports and gaming industry, aligned with the Certiport ESB certification.

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A young student playing video games.

Introduction to Game Development

Students with no prior coding experience learn how to conceptualize, design and build their very own game using JavaScript.

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Two commentators broadcasting during an esports tournament

Esports Broadcasting

In this hands-on course, students explore broadcasting fundamentals and learn both technical and soft skills needed to start their own streams.

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Introduction to Web Development

Students use HTML and CSS to design, create, and breathe life into visually appealing web pages from scratch.

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AI in Esports

Elevate your students' understanding of AI with a unique afterschool experience that combines the excitement of academic esports with hands-on learning.

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Testimonials

The biggest thing that I've learned through working with the students and going through the curriculum is building a team and working on communication skills. Those are skills that not only help them within the classroom but they can also take outside of school and into the real world.

Steven Van Smaalen

Esports Teacher | Santiago M.S.

We live in a digital world, our kids are fully engrained into it, why not make it available and why not grow with them?

Carmen Crosse

Asst. Superintendent | Soccoro ISD

It's not just kids playing video games. There's more to it. Don't be afraid to try something new. It can really give students who don't have a place to fit in an area where this is their forte. Something that will help them connect in the education process.

Jim D'Agostino

Principal | Orange USD

Points of Contact

Texas Technology Student Association (TSA)

Pamela K Cook

Executive Director/State Advisor

executive.director@texastsa.org

Pitsco Education

Steffanie Forbes

Coding & Robotics Channel Manager

sforbes@pitsco.com

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