​ATHENS, WV (WVNS) — In fall 2026, “the best in high school and college tactical, high-stakes Valorant competition” will be held at Concord University.According to a press release, from November 6, 2026 through November 8, 2026, Concord University Esports, West Virginia Army National Guard, and PlayVS College League will come together to host the Passion Series, “powered by the West Virginia Army National Guard,” at Concord University.
Concord University receives more than $600,000 grant to help track some of the most elusive particles in the world The teams are hungry, and we love bringing them together to compete — offering them a place to celebrate the rivalries they’ve created. The Passion Series is built on fierce collegiate rivalries, and we’ve put together a top-tier experience so competitors and spectators can really embrace it and enjoy every moment live.Austin Clay | Concord Esports Director The press release stated that the tournament will be held at the Nick Rahall Technology Center’s Esports headquarters and is free for all 13 to 24-year-old high school and college students to enter. Teams who participate will compete in a double-elimination bracket for a chance at part of the $3,000 prize pool.According to the press release, “the Passion Series is a collegiate esports tournament initiative created by Concord University Esports where they hold different esports titles for other universities to compete in partnership with other organizations,” which includes the West Virginia Army National Guard, who is the 2026 partner.
Scholarship created by the Darago family in honor of the late Kim Darago Miller We are really excited to be a part of this year’s competition. For several years Concord Esports has put together one of the marquee Fall esports in the region, and we hope our participation alongside the National Guard will elevate this year’s event to new heights.Charles O’Donnell | PlayVS Head of Partnerships The press release stated that the program is meant to connect the gap between competitive collegiate gaming and real-world career opportunities through the use of an Esports environment to show technical skills that can translate to civilian and military professions. The West Virginia Army National Guard is proud to be a part of this marquee event, where we’ll have the opportunity to advance our mission by showing students how they can use their gaming skills to build rewarding careers that set them up for the future and help them make an impact in their communities. At every stage of the competition, these skilled competitors will demonstrate the teamwork, communication and problem-solving required to compete and win. These are the same skills National Guard Soldiers bring to their roles each day in fields like cyber, engineering, intelligence, networking and more.George Bennett | Sergeant First Class
Internship pipeline created due to partnership between Concord University and Summit Bechtel Reserve According to the