NFL and PlayVS Launch Second Season of the Madden NFL Youth Championship
By Myles Mohair | HuddleUp Magazine
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES — Sept. 8, 2025 — The National Football League (NFL) and PlayVS, a leader in amateur esports competition, are back with the second season of the Madden NFL Youth Championship (MYC). After a successful debut last year, the 2025–26 edition promises to be bigger, more inclusive, and more rewarding for young players across North America.
Expanding Access and Raising the Stakes
The most exciting new twist? This year’s MYC champion will win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California — an unforgettable prize for the ultimate fan experience.
For the first time, eligibility has expanded to Canada, welcoming students from both the U.S. and Canada into the fold. The age bracket remains 13–18, giving middle and high school students a chance to put their Madden NFL 26 skills to the test in a national — and now international — spotlight.
“We’re thrilled to build on the success of our first Madden NFL Youth Championship,” said Ed Kiang, NFL Vice President of Video Gaming. “With expansion abroad, we can bring more fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of the MYC and further drive our mission of engaging with our sport through gaming.”
Dual-Path Qualification System
The MYC introduces a new tournament structure designed to broaden access and heighten competition. Students can qualify through two pathways:
- Open Tournaments – Two qualifiers will take place:
- Qualifier #1: Nov. 7–9, 2025
- Qualifier #2: Jan. 9–11, 2026
The top eight players from each qualifier advance to the Finals.
- Scholastic Tournaments – Players can compete through their school’s esports programs, powered by PlayVS, with state and regional champions earning a seat in the Finals.
Together, the top 16 open qualifiers and 16 scholastic champions will face off in a 32-player single-elimination bracket on Jan. 20, 2026.
Building Community Through Esports
For PlayVS, this partnership is about more than competition — it’s about growth and connection.
“The Madden NFL Youth Championship embodies what PlayVS is all about — giving students a chance to connect, compete, and grow through gaming,” said Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS. “By expanding eligibility to Canada and introducing both open and scholastic paths, we’re creating more opportunities for young players to engage with football in a fun, inclusive, and community-driven way.”
The competition continues to break down barriers, making esports more accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the culture of football.
Registration Open Now
Registration for the Madden NFL Youth Championship Qualifiers is officially open. Eligible middle and high school students in the U.S. and Canada can sign up at playvs.com/madden-nfl-youth-championship
