Key information
USA TODAY Sports and PlayVS have unveiled a new national high school esports championship featuring eight teams. Announced on October 7, this tournament expands the publisher's existing high school sports coverage and builds upon the SUPER 25 Esports Rankings established in 2024.
The competition utilizes a round-robin format across three titles: EA Sports Madden NFL, Marvel Rivals, and Rocket League. Teams are evaluated based on win percentages and the number of graduating seniors from the 2026 spring season. Combined results across all three games determine the standings, with the top two teams advancing to the final.
Tournament play commences on Monday, October 12, culminating in a national title match on Friday, December 11. Beyond the team championship, an ALL-USA Esports Team will be selected to recognize individual student competitors, mirroring the publisher's traditional high school recognition model.
Following the December final, the winning team will participate in the inaugural USA TODAY Sports Challenger Series during the spring. This series will feature additional high school and collegiate competitors, extending the tournament's reach beyond the initial eight-team field.
