North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports is proud to announce its participation in a major scholarship initiative at the 2026 Geek and Game Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. In partnership with Carolina Games Summit, Barton College, Louisburg College, and USC Upstate, more than $500,000 in esports scholarship opportunities were available to competitors across multiple tournaments.
The Geek and Game Expo, held September 5–6 at the Raleigh Convention Center, brought together gamers, families, colleges, industry professionals, and members of the gaming community for a weekend centered around competition, education, and opportunity.
Competitors participated in tournaments featuring titles including Counter-Strike 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart, Forza 6, and Gran Turismo 7, creating an opportunity for talented players to showcase their skills while learning more about collegiate esports programs and scholarship opportunities.
NCWU Esports Delivers Strong Competitive Performances
North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports had a strong showing across multiple competitions throughout the weekend.
Lamont Taylor (SoulkingLJ) delivered an impressive performance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, placing 17th out of 74 competitors in Singles. Taylor also competed in Doubles, earning a 5th-place finish out of 14 teams.
Anthony Conner and Shafiq Nuijts also represented NCWU Esports in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Singles competition, with each finishing 49th in the 74-player bracket.
Nuijts expanded NCWU’s presence beyond Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by competing in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Singles Finals, where he secured an impressive 8th-place finish out of 60 competitors.
These results highlight the continued growth and competitive presence of NCWU Esports across multiple titles and demonstrate the dedication of Wesleyan’s student competitors on a regional stage.
Brightspeed Support Helps NCWU Esports Travel and Compete
The continued support of Brightspeed has played an important role in giving North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports student-athletes the opportunity to travel beyond campus and represent the University at major esports competitions.
Through Brightspeed’s investment in NCWU Esports, the program has been able to help cover important travel expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals. This support allows NCWU competitors to focus on performing at their best while gaining valuable experience competing against players from other colleges and communities.
Brightspeed’s support has already helped NCWU Esports travel to competitions on larger stages, including previous events in Texas and South Carolina. That continued investment helps make opportunities such as the Geek and Game Expo possible for NCWU students and strengthens the program’s ability to compete throughout the region and beyond.
The partnership extends beyond travel. Brightspeed’s support has contributed to scholarships, equipment upgrades, esports program travel, technology, and expanded competitive opportunities. These resources help NCWU Esports provide students with experiences that connect competition with teamwork, leadership, broadcasting, content creation, technology, and career development.
For North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports, participating in the Geek and Game Expo represents more than competition. It reflects the program’s continued commitment to creating pathways for students who want to turn their passion for gaming, esports, technology, content creation, and digital media into meaningful educational and career opportunities.
Chantoni Grant, NCWU Director of Esports, shares, “North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports is focused on showing students that esports can be much bigger than just playing video games. It can create opportunities for education, leadership, content creation, broadcasting, technology, and future careers. Being part of an event offering more than $500,000 in scholarship opportunities allows us to connect directly with students and families and show them what is possible through collegiate esports.”
The 2026 event also marked the first year that representatives from all four participating colleges were present on the show floor, allowing prospective students and their families to speak directly with college representatives while experiencing the tournaments and activities throughout the weekend.
The partnership aligns with North Carolina Wesleyan University’s commitment to hands-on learning and providing students with practical experiences that prepare them for life beyond the classroom. NCWU Esports continues to build opportunities that connect gaming with education, professional development, leadership, media, technology, and community engagement.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports
North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports provides students with opportunities to compete, create, lead, and develop professional skills through the rapidly growing esports industry. The program uses gaming as a platform for experiential learning while creating opportunities in competition, broadcasting, content creation, event production, technology, leadership, and community engagement.
Through partnerships, tournaments, scholarships, and educational initiatives, NCWU Esports is working to establish North Carolina Wesleyan University as a destination for students who want to pursue their passion for gaming while earning a college education.
About Brightspeed
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services across a 20-state footprint and is working to expand access to high-speed fiber connectivity in the communities it serves.
Brightspeed’s commitment to education and technology extends beyond broadband. The company has invested in STEM and esports initiatives designed to provide students with access to technology, educational opportunities, scholarships, and hands-on experiences.
Brightspeed’s partnership with North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports has supported scholarships, equipment, and program travel, helping NCWU students access competitive and educational opportunities that may not otherwise be possible. The partnership demonstrates how education, technology, esports, and community investment can work together to prepare students for opportunities in an increasingly digital world.
