Launch Esports, a joint venture between esports tournament software and management company Mainline and Steel Planet Esports (an affiliate of Steel Curtain U), has announced a full schedule of its roster of Division II, Division III, NAIA, and community college conferences and universities. The schedule includes more than 180 participating schools, beginning with fall conference and tournament play being staged now through November.
“We’re seeing more and more of these schools seeking help executing their esports programs’ growing demand and expectation for first-class competition that helps raise the profile of the athlete as well as the program,” said Darin David, president of Launch Esports. “We’re excited to play an integral role in this ambitious schedule seeing some great competition.”
Launch Esports provides partners such as the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Mid-South Conference structure and continuity to conference-level play by managing the competition infrastructure, broadcasting, marketing, and esports rights. The effort is backed by the experience of Mainline and Steel Curtain U, which joined to create Launch Esports in March. Both conferences’ league play is currently underway. Additional tournament and league play are as follows:
- KCAC League Play CoD, Overwatch, League of Legends — September 6 – November
- Mid-South League Play Overwatch, Valorant, League of Legends, Super Smash Bros.— September 13 – November
- Red River Tournament Madden 22 — October 20–21
- Sooner Tournament Madden 22 — October 22–23
- MIAA Tournament Madden 22 — October 27–28
- Red River Tournament Madden 22— October 20–21
- Carolinas Tournament Madden 22 — November 5–6
- CCCAA Tournament Rocket League — November 9–10 and 12
- MIAA Tournament Rocket League — November 17–18
“We’re excited for our fall season and league play already underway, which has been a great experience for both our athletes and corporate partners/sponsors,” said KCAC Commissioner Dr. Scott Crawford. “We look forward to announcing our conference and title champions later this fall.”
“The Mid-South Conference is proud to partner with Launch Esports as we begin to compete as a conference this fall,” said Eric Ward, commissioner of the Mid-South Conference. “Their knowledge and expertise in competitive gaming will make our initial efforts to sponsor esports as a conference championship seamless and hassle-free.”