Gear up for the NM State Esports Invitational

The NM State Esports Invitational is a thrilling in-person gaming event uniting players of all skill levels in electrifying competition! Established in 2022, this dynamic gathering fosters friendships and showcases top-tier gameplay. Here's the kicker—it's completely free! No entry fees, just pure gaming excitement. Plus, every penny generated goes towards crucial event expenses like lodging, meals, and smooth operations. Join us for an adrenaline-pumping esports extravaganza where passion fuels fierce competition and friendships flourish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just diving into gaming, the NM State Esports Invitational guarantees an unforgettable experience packed with camaraderie and high-stakes gameplay!


Who:

All middle school, high school, and university gamers!

What:

The largest educational esports event in New Mexico.

Where:

Inside Corbett Center Student Union, NMSU.

When:

March 7th & 8th, 2026.

Why:

To participate in what students deemed, "The best eSports experience in New Mexico.”

Agenda

DAY 1 (3/7/26)
7:30AM to 9:00AM - Check-in and Badge Pickup
9:00AM to 9:30AM - Opening Ceremony and Rules
9:30AM to 10:00AM - Break off and start tournaments
10:00AM to 1:00PM - Tournament Play
1:00PM to 2:00PM - Staggered Lunch Break for Tournaments
2:00 to 7:00PM - Tournament Play

Note: Due to the length of some video game matches, at least 1 or 2 teams are likely to be held past 7:00 PM. We will work diligently to ensure that teams and coaches go home in a timely manner. 

DAY 2 (3/8/26)
8:00AM to 8:30AM - Check In and return to competitive Areas
8:30AM to 12:00PM - Tournament Play
12:00PM - 1:00PM - Staggered Lunch Break for Tournaments
1:00PM - 6:00PM - Tournament Play until conclusion

As you know, the nature of the invitational is "LAN-style" or "CON-style," where the competitions can sometimes lead to unpredictable time frames. While we do work to get everyone home in a timely manner each day, time constraints for various video games and match lengths often throw a wrench in the plans. It is recommended to have lodging in Las Cruces during the event because, more often than not, teams and entire schools are held back on campus as the tournament finishes up. This can be especially an issue on day 1 due to the high volume of students who are unfamiliar with navigating the building.

Map

The event will take place inside Corbett Center Student Union.  Bus dropoff is in the adjacent parking lot south of Corbett Center and east of Garcia Center.  An interactive campus map is available online.

NMSU campus map showing Corbett Center and the nearest bus dropoff.

Game Titles

Marvel Rivals (6v6) on PC

Overwatch 2 (5v5) on PC

League of Legends (5v5) on PC

Valorant (5v5) on PC

Rocket League (3v3) on PC

Street Fighter 6 (1v1) on PS5

Mario Kart 8 (4v4) on Nintendo Switch

Splatoon 3 (4v4) on Nintendo Switch

Super Smash Bros: Ultimate (3v3 Crews & 1v1 Singles) on Nintendo Switch

Chess (1v1) Rapid 10+2 - Over-the-Board