PlayVS Expands Madden NFL Youth Championship to Include Canadian Students
Key Takeaways
- Second annual Madden NFL Youth Championship adds Canadian students to competition eligibility for 2025-26 season
- Overall champion wins paid trip to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California in February 2026
- Competition remains free to enter for students aged 13-18 enrolled in U.S. and Canadian schools
- Three-tournament format culminates in 32-player Grand Finals on January 20, 2026
- Top finishers from qualifier events and scholastic state champions earn spots in final bracket
Building on Inaugural Success
PlayVS, the National Football League, and EA Sports are launching the second season of the Madden NFL Youth Championship with expanded reach and enhanced prizes. The scholastic esports competition targets middle and high school students across North America, building on what organizers describe as a successful inaugural year.
The most significant change for 2025-26 involves geographic expansion. Canadian students can now participate alongside their U.S. counterparts, marking the first international component of the championship. This expansion aligns with the NFL’s broader strategy to grow its fanbase beyond traditional geographic boundaries.
Competition Structure and Timeline
The championship maintains a three-tournament structure designed to accommodate both individual competitors and school-based esports programs. Qualifier tournaments will run November 7-9, 2025, and January 9-11, 2026. Each qualifier sends its top eight finishers to the Grand Finals.
The Grand Finals on January 20, 2026, features a 32-player single-elimination bracket. Half the field consists of qualifier tournament winners, while the remaining 16 spots go to scholastic champions from PlayVS’ official league competitions at state and regional levels.
Students must be enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian school and fall within the 13-18 age range. While entry remains free, participants need access to Madden NFL 26 to compete.
Enhanced Prize Structure
The championship’s top prize represents a significant upgrade from the inaugural season. The overall winner receives a paid trip for themselves and a parent or guardian to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, scheduled for February 2026.
This prize structure reflects the growing investment in youth esports competitions and the NFL’s recognition of gaming as a pathway to fan engagement. The league views the championship as part of its mission to connect with younger audiences through interactive experiences.
Strategic Implications for Youth Esports
The expansion demonstrates how established sports leagues are leveraging esports to reach students who may not participate in traditional athletics. By partnering with PlayVS, which operates scholastic esports programs in schools, the NFL gains access to organized student competition frameworks.
Ed Kiang, vice president of video gaming at the NFL, emphasized accessibility in the program’s design. “We’re thrilled to build on the success of our first Madden NFL Youth Championship, which made esports more accessible to thousands of middle and high schoolers in the U.S.,” Kiang said. “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.”
The no-fee structure removes financial barriers that often limit participation in competitive gaming events. This approach positions the championship as an inclusive platform rather than a premium competition accessible only to students with significant resources.
via: ESports Advocate / PlayVs
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