News
RALEIGH, NC (6/14/2023) - Carolina Games Summit is thrilled to announce a significant partnership with Southern-Fried Gaming Expo (SFGE) for their upcoming event. Slated for July 28th-30th, 2023, this exciting collaboration is set to take place at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center in Atlanta, GA.
SFGE, a 3-day fan convention focused exclusively on gaming, is known for its impressive array of over 300 full-sized arcade games, pinball machines, and console systems. The event is also home to tabletop gaming, vendors, special guest speakers, wrestling, tournaments, and more.
Carolina Games Summit will be hosting a plethora of competitive tournaments at SFGE for the following titles: Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, Fortnite, Street Fighter 6, Gran Turismo 7, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Guilty Gear -Strive-, Halo Infinite, Joust, Rocket League, Tekken 7, and Just Dance 2023. Carolina Games Summit’s tournaments are perfect for amateurs and professionals alike, being accessible for newer players while featuring top of the line talent for more seasoned competitors.
“SFGE is thrilled to partner with Carolina Games Summit for our attendees to have access to world-class esports tournaments,” says Preston Burt, Southern-Fried Gaming Expo Co-Founder. “Their professionalism and expertise in running tournaments that attract both novice players and top-ranked talent on the hottest games in the esports world instantly makes the Southern-Fried Gaming Expo a top-tier destination for competitive gamers.”
Tickets can be purchased through the SFGE website or in person at the conference. For more information about the Southern Fried Gaming Expo, visit www.gameatl.com .
About Sourthern Fried Gaming Expo
Atlanta's homegrown convention focused entirely on gaming, Southern-Fried Gaming Expo (SFGE) is a family-friendly event celebrating the history and modern-day cultural impact of arcade games, pinball machines, tabletop & RPG gaming, and video games. With over 150,000 square feet of exhibit space, Attendees can enjoy over 500 arcade, pinball machines, and video game consoles on free play, which for one weekend creates "Georgia's Largest Arcade." SFGE is pleased to host additional areas of interest including celebrity guests, vendors and exhibitors, and to foster a spirit of friendly competition with a new focus on tournaments and esports. For more information about the East Coast Game Conference, visit www.gameatl.com.
About Carolina Games Summit
Carolina Games Summit® hosts events throughout the year to give amateur esports enthusiasts access to high quality tournaments as well as industry advice and contacts. Our goal is to provide a clear path for all individuals seeking a career in esports or games development through scholarships, educational opportunities, and professionally run tournaments.
Additional information can be found on the official web site: www.cgsummit.com.
East Coast Game Conference (ECGC) Returns to the Raleigh Convention Center, April 18th - 20th, 2023. ECGC will host keynote speakers, Sugar Gamers CEO, Keisha Howard and Jason McGuigan, Lenovo’s Head of Virtual Reality . Over 80 industry professionals will present emerging trends and topics critical to the video game industry. Sessions include topics on game design, programming, virtual reality, esports, narration, and marketing.
The expo hall boasts over 34,000 square feet of game developers, tech companies, esports organizations, universities, colleges, and related industries. Companies like Funcom, Red Storm Entertainment, Insomniac Games, and many more are looking to hire new talent and demonstrate their latest titles. Colleges and universities from across the southeast such as George Mason, East Tennessee State, William Peace, NC State, UNC Charlotte, SCAD, Wake Tech, and more have degree programs on display in a variety of game-related disciplines.
"We are excited to continue the tradition of the East Coast Game Conference and provide an engaging, diverse, and informative experience for our attendees," said Walter Rotenberry, ECGC co-president. "The game industry is evolving, and this conference is a great opportunity for attendees to gain insight into emerging trends and network with others.”
For attendees looking for experiences between sessions the conference will feature an all new VR Village presented by Baz, LLC and the Carolina Games Summit freeplay booth packed full of the latest console and personal computers.
Tickets can be purchased through the ECGC website or in person at the conference. For more information about the East Coast Game Conference, visit www.ecgconf.com .
About East Coast Game Conference
The East Coast Game Conference, the largest gathering of video game professionals on the east coast, returns to the Raleigh Convention Center. The focus of the conference is to provide video game developers and esports professionals an engaging program and opportunities for networking and collaboration. ECGC is proud to be hosting one of the east coast’s largest VR events with participation from organizations and individuals ranging from academics to industry. For more information about the East Coast Game Conference, visit www.ecgconf.com.
As the 2023 Playthrough Gaming Convention came to a close on Sunday, March 19th at 6 pm, over 200 consoles and PCs shut down and the last of 15 esports tournaments came to final rounds. Out of over 500 competitors, only a chosen few walked away with the title of first, second, or third place winner. Here is the complete list of this year's winners!
Fortnite Duos No Builds
- Maxwell Deese & Woodrow Tadlock
- Ashton Pierce & Caleb Strickland
- Johnathan Nails & Julian Roman
Fortnite Solos, No Build
- Ashton Pierce
- Marquis Hargrove
- Pranav Gadiraju
Guilty Gear Strive
- Andre Covington
- Larry Bernal-Calvo
- Connor Trinkle
Gran Turismo 7
- Marcus Taylor
- Giovanni Bergollo
- Casey Frank
Halo Infinite 4v4
- Team Vipers
- Colton Brothers
- Nasser Avant
- Christian Almeyda
- Luis Carmona
- Team Distals Place
- Manuel Jurado
- Aidan Murphy
- Jeffery Taylor
- Nick Hogan
Halo Infinite Free For All
- Andrew Baldwin
- Michael Poythress
- Manuel Jurado
JS Joust
- Izzy Kelly
- Sarah Grace
- Elizabeth Talton-Roush
Just Dance 2023
- Keon Davidson
- Hailey Garcia
- Jordan McKenzie
King of Fighters XV
- Brent Taylor
- Andre Covington
- Allen Perkins
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Stephen Kulin
- Hunter Dubar
- Troy Whetter
Rocket League 2v2
- Ethan Miles & Hunter Creel
- Hernan Ruedas & Donald Leahy
- Brandon Culver & Nicholas Kroll
Street Fighter V
- David Najara
- Andre Covington
- Shaun Townsend
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Doubles
- Cameron Holmes & Daniel Bourbonnais
- Jonathan Skinner & Jackson Luciano
- Rafael Emilio Baez Jr. & Ian Lawrence
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Singles
- Andrew Richardson
- Curtis White Jr.
- Shemar Alexander
Tekken 7
- Jason Moreno
- Tevin Bridges
- Andrew Hardwick
Congratulations to all our winners, we will keep an eye out for each of you as we look forward to many more great things from each esports athlete listed above.
We would like to thank our title sponsor, Barton College and Playthrough Gaming Convention, their support allowed this event to occur at the Raleigh Convention Center! Additional support was provided by our official Internet provider and prize sponsor for all Smash Tournaments: Spectrum Enterprise, our official computer manufacturer: ITSS, our official monitor manufacturer: BenQ, and our official accessories supplier: Corsair. Finally a special thanks goes out to Bad Machines, the first esports bar in North Carolina that’s located in the heart of Durham for providing all cash prizes for King of Fighters XV, Street Fighter V, and Tekken 7 tournaments.
About Barton College
Founded in 1902, Barton College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college located in Wilson, N.C. The Barton Experience focuses on academic excellence within a wide range of professional and liberal arts programs leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, including master’s degrees in Nursing, Kinesiology, Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences, School Administration, and an MBA in Strategic Leadership. Barton celebrates innovation and bold thinking among faculty and staff as the College nurtures bold leadership development among students. Barton offers purposeful internships, practicums, and research/presentation in academic disciplines; engaging co-curricular cohorts; meaningful international travel and study; opportunities to give back through community service; an impressive array of cultural events; and diverse athletic competition among 24 collegiate teams. Additional information regarding Barton Esports can be found on the official website: www.bartonesports.com.
About Spectrum Enterprise Spectrum Enterprise is a national provider of enterprise technology solutions serving some of the country’s biggest brands. Combining their fiber network with a broad set of capabilities including internet, WAN, managed network services and collaboration tools, Spectrum stands apart from other providers by tailoring their approach and comprehensive range of solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. Not only does Spectrum offer internet, voice, video and mobile but network services as well. You can be sure they will never try to sell you on a one-size-fits-all approach. Spectrum Enterprise is fiercely committed to delivering success on your terms — however you define success. Additional information can be found on the official web site: enterprise.spectrum.com.
About Bad Machines
Bad Machines is the first esports bar in North Carolina that’s located in the heart of Durham. The bar features craft beer from North Carolina, gamer influenced cocktails, console games, arcade games and mor! You can watch popular esporting events or play them for free while you drink with friends. Bad Machines also hosts regular tournaments, esporting shows and various gamer-related events for everyone. Additional information can be found on the official web site: www.mybadmachines.com.
Carolina Games Summit is pleased to announce it will again bring professionally run esports tournaments to Playthrough Gaming Convention at the Raleigh Convention Center March 18th and 19th, 2023. Thirteen different tournaments across eleven different titles will be featured. All tournaments will again be included with the price of admission to the convention. Registration is currently available on this site at www.cgsummit.com/tournaments.
Barton College
Barton College is now a Title Sponsor!
We are excited to announce that Barton College is a Title Sponsor and provides all tournament winners with a $2,000 scholarship.
Bad Machines Tournaments
Bad Machines sponsored tournaments:
Bad Machines is the first Esports bar in NC and we’re excited to welcome them to the CGS family as a sponsorship for some of our fighting game tournaments! There will be a $250 prize pool for each the following tournaments;
Tekken 7
Street Fighter V
King of Fighters XV
Guilty Gear Strive
Spectrum Sponsored Tournaments
Spectrum Enterprise sponsored tournaments:
We are happy to have Spectrum Enterprise join us at this year’s Playthrough as a sponsor for the Super Smash Brothers Ultimate tournaments! $500 prize pool for Singles and Doubles tournaments!
Just Dance and JS Joust will get you out of your seat! Are games that get you moving more your style? We have those too! Dance your way to the top score with Ubisoft’s newest installment of Just Dance. Pick from a variety of genres and get to moving. If you are looking for something a bit more cut throat, we suggest signing up for our JS Joust tournament! Keep your controller steady but be wary, others will try and topple you in the process!
About Barton College
Founded in 1902, Barton College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college located in Wilson, N.C. The Barton Experience focuses on academic excellence within a wide range of professional and liberal arts programs leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, including master’s degrees in Nursing, Kinesiology, Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences, School Administration, and an MBA in Strategic Leadership. Barton celebrates innovation and bold thinking among faculty and staff as the College nurtures bold leadership development among students. Barton offers purposeful internships, practicums, and research/presentation in academic disciplines; engaging co-curricular cohorts; meaningful international travel and study; opportunities to give back through community service; an impressive array of cultural events; and diverse athletic competition among 24 collegiate teams. Additional information regarding Barton Esports can be found on the official website: www.bartonesports.com.
About Spectrum Enterprise Spectrum Enterprise is a national provider of enterprise technology solutions serving some of the country’s biggest brands. Combining their fiber network with a broad set of capabilities including internet, WAN, managed network services and collaboration tools, Spectrum stands apart from other providers by tailoring their approach and comprehensive range of solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. Not only does Spectrum offer internet, voice, video and mobile but network services as well. You can be sure they will never try to sell you on a one-size-fits-all approach. Spectrum Enterprise is fiercely committed to delivering success on your terms — however you define success. Additional information can be found on the official web site: enterprise.spectrum.com.
About Bad Machines
Bad Machines is the first esports bar in North Carolina that’s located in the heart of Durham. The bar features craft beer from North Carolina, gamer influenced cocktails, console games, arcade games and mor! You can watch popular esporting events or play them for free while you drink with friends. Bad Machines also hosts regular tournaments, esporting shows and various gamer-related events for everyone. Additional information can be found on the official web site: "www.mybadmachines.com.
About Carolina Games Summit
Carolina Games Summit® hosts events throughout the year to give amateur esports enthusiasts access to high quality tournaments as well as industry advice and contacts. Our goal is to provide a clear path for all individuals seeking a career in esports or games development through scholarships, educational opportunities, and professionally run tournaments.
Additional information can be found on the official web site: www.cgsummit.com.
As the 2023 Carolina Games Summit came to a close on Saturday, Feb 18th in Historic Downtown Wilson North Carolina, five separate venues full of consoles and PCs shut down and the last of 14 esports tournaments came to final rounds. Out of hundreds of competitors, only a chosen few walked away with a $2,000 Barton Scholarship and the title of first, second, or third place winner. Here is the complete list of this years winners!
Left to Right: Zak Gerard, 1st Place, Tyler Reynolds, 2nd Place, and John Wesley 3rd Place. Digimon tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Digimon The Card Game
1. Zachary (Zak) Gerard
2. Tyler Reynolds
3. John Wesley Bright
Fortnite Duos
1. Ashton Price
Timoti Hornea
2. Paolo Dinu
Mario Hornia
3. Zac Green
Drew Greene
Left to Right: Paulo Dinu, 1st Place, Timoti Hornea, 2nd Place, and Ashton Pierce 3rd Place. Fortnite Solos No Build tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Fortnite Solos No Builds
1. Paulo Dinu
2. Timoti Hornea
3. Ashton Pierce
Left to Right Timoti Hornea 1st Place, Ashton Pierce 2nd Place, and Jaylin Richardson 3rd Place. Fortnite Solos Builds tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Fortnite Solos Builds
1. Timoti Hornea
2. Ashton Pierce
3. Jaylin Richardson
Left to Right: Winson Lee 1st Place, John Archer 2nd Place, and Jayden Nguyen 3rd Place. Gran Turismo 7 tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Gran Turismo 7
1. Winson Lee
2. John Archer
3. Jayden Nguyen
Left to Right: Ben Stallings, 1st Place, Mosieo Boone, 2nd Place, and Maxwell Goodwin 3rd Place. Guilty Gear Strive tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Guilty Gear Strive
1. Ben Stallings
2. Mosieo Boone
3. Maxwell Goodwin
Left to Right: Ali Goins First Place, Ryan Wittier-Merithew 2nd Place, and Mahalia Wittier-Merithew 3rd Place. Just Dance 2023 tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Just Dance 2023
1. Ali Goins
2. Ryan Wittier-Merithew
3. Mahalia Wittier-Merithew
Left to Right: Graham (Chris) Matthews 1st Place, Josh Rupprecht 2nd Place, and Steven 3rd Place. Magic the Gathering tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Magic the Gathering Constructed
1. Graham (Chris) Matthews
2. Josh Rupprecht
3. Steven
Left to Right: Nicholas Tucker 1st Place, George Nestor 2nd Place, and Darius Martinez 3rd Place. MarioKart 8 Deluxe tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
1. Nicholas Tucker
2. George Nestor
3. Darius Martinez
Left to Right: Brandon Culver & Austin Perry 1st Place, Braxton Oakey & Joshua Sexton 2nd Place, and Patrick Bender & Justin Haden 3rd Place. Rocket League 2v2 at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Rocket League 2v2
1. Brandon Culver
Austin Perry
2. Braxton Oakey
Joshua Sexton
3. Patrick Binder
Justin Haden
Left to Right: Shamir Hurst 1st Place, Dillan Johnson 2nd Place, and Xavier D. Battle 3rd Place. Street Fighter V tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Street Fighter V
1. Shamir Hurst
2. Dillan Johnson
3. Xavier D. Battle-Robinson
Left to Right: Geovani L & Ricardo L 1st Placeand Jamiel M & Ryan R 2nd Place. Super Smash Brothers Ultimate tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Doubles
1. Taco (Giovani L)
Taco (Ricardo L)
2. Broken Toes (Jamiel M)
Broken Toes (Ryan M)
3. Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol
Left to Right: Ruben M 1st Place, Jamie B 2nd Place, and Ricardo L 3rd Place. Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Singles tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Singles
1. Raven (Ruben M)
2. Jamn (Jamie B)
3. ThaBeast (Ricardo L)
Left to Right: Winson Lee 1st Place, John Archer 2nd Place, and Jayden Nguyen 3rd Place. Tekken tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2023.
Tekken 7
1. Winson Lee
2. John Archer
3. Jayden Nguyen
Yu-Gi-Oh The Card Game
1. Zachary (Zak) Gerard
2. Robert Best
3. John Wesley Bright
Congratulations to all our winners, we will keep an eye out for each of you as we look forward to many more great things from each esports athlete listed above.
We would like to thank our title sponsor, Barton College and the Wilson Downtown Development Corporation, their support allowed this event to occur in Historic Downtown Wilson! Additional support was provided by our official Internet provider: Greenlight, our official computer manufacturer: ITSS, our official monitor manufacturer: BenQ, and our official accessories supplier: Corsair. We would like to thank the amazing people at each of our five venues Casita Brewing Company, Wilson Arts Center, Foundation YMCE, Imagination Station History & Science Museum, and Gig East Exchange, for providing such amazing locations and working so closely with our team!
Lastly, we would like to note that this event is run completely by volunteers who pour their time, energy, and much more into this event. Thank you to all who contributed to the 2023 Carolina Games Summit in Historic Downtown Wilson, NC.
Carolina Games Summit is pleased to announce Barton College as their 2023 Title Sponsor. Barton College has been a partner of the Carolina Games Summit since early 2019 when they launched a competitive esports program that began varsity and club competition in the Fall of that year. During this time thirteen events have been held and winners have been eligible to receive over 2,404,000 in scholarships thus far. The Carolina Games Summit’s next event is a partnership with Wilson Downtown Development Corporation and will be Friday February 17th, 5pm to 11pm; and Saturday February 18th 10am to 11pm in Historic Downtown Wilson.
“Building on our gigabyte capacity through Greenlight, as well as the innovative thinking of community leaders, this event represents the best of what we do here in Wilson,” shares Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president of Barton College. “The Carolina Games Summit is a great fit for our community, and Barton College is proud to serve as this year’s title sponsor.”
“One of Wilson Downtown Development's most valuable tools for the revitalization of Historic Downtown Wilson is its partnerships with other downtown stakeholders," says Susan Kellum, Downtown Marketing & Communications Coordinator for City of Wilson, Wilson Downtown Development Corporation. "Barton College leadership has been working toward that goal with WDDC for many years now including bringing their annual homecoming weekend kickoff to the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. The Carolina Games Summit will be a 'win-win' for both organizations by attracting an exciting new audience to downtown and to Barton, especially their esports program.”
Left to Right: Azarian Ford 3rd Place, Jamar Malone 1st Place, and Keyari Frazier 2nd Place. Accepting Scholarships in the Samurai Shodown tournament at Carolina Games Summit 2021
“Carolina Games Summit's partnership with Barton College has allowed us to grow our programs over the last four years” states Michael Everett Creative Director for Carolina Games Summit. “The new sponsorship will allow us to increase awareness of this great scholarship program Barton is offering to Carolina Games Summit competitors and attendees.”
Dr. Paul Christianson, Head Esports Coach at Barton Collegeexplaining scholarships to CGS 2021 winners
"We're excited to partner with the Carolina Games Summit again this year and hope these scholarships provide a pathway for aspiring gamers to pursue their passion for gaming while earning a nationally recognized degree," said Dr. Paul Christianson, Head Esports Coach at Barton College.
Prospective students also will be able to visit Barton College representatives and current esports team members at their exhibition booth to get their scholarship or program questions answered quickly. Barton College Fall 2023 application is open and currently accepting new applications for high school seniors. Visit www.barton.edu/apply to submit your FREE application today! If you are interested in setting up a campus visit to Barton College before your competition, email Kaitlyn Dean, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, at kkdean@barton.edu to set up your campus tour!
Carolina Games Summit tickets include access to all venues and both days and are available to the public both online or in person during event hours at the Foundation YMCA downtown Wilson, NC. This website has the latest information on tournaments, exhibitors, and event attractions. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting or participating at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Barton College
Founded in 1902, Barton College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college located in Wilson, N.C. The Barton Experience focuses on academic excellence within a wide range of professional and liberal arts programs leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, including master’s degrees in Nursing, Kinesiology, Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences, School Administration, and an MBA in Strategic Leadership. Barton celebrates innovation and bold thinking among faculty and staff as the College nurtures bold leadership development among students. Barton offers purposeful internships, practicums, and research/presentation in academic disciplines; engaging co-curricular cohorts; meaningful international travel and study; opportunities to give back through community service; an impressive array of cultural events; and diverse athletic competition among 24 collegiate teams. Additional information regarding Barton Esports can be found on the official website: www.bartonesports.com.
About Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC)
Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of promoting historic preservation and combatting community deterioration. WDDC’s mission is to lead community investment and drive the social, cultural, and economic engine of an authentic Wilson by creating and promoting a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable downtown. Additional information can be found on the official web site: www.HistoricDowntownWilson.com.
About Carolina Games Summit
Carolina Games Summit® hosts events throughout the year to give amateur esports enthusiasts access to high quality tournaments as well as industry advice and contacts. Our goal is to provide a clear path for all individuals seeking a career in esports or games development through scholarships, educational opportunities, and professionally run tournaments.
About Foundation YMCA
The Foundation YMCA is a non-profit, community service organization. The new, state-of-the-art facility strengthens the foundations of our community through youth development, health living and social responsibility. Y-GIG (the Middle School After School Program), two indoor pools, a variety of fitness classes, robust wellness floor, indoor track, gymnasium, and childwatch provide many opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. We are grateful to Healthcare Foundation of Wilson for the generous strategic grant that provided funding for the Foundation YMCA and Y-GIG. The Foundation YMCA opened to the public October 29, 2022. For more information, visit www.wilsonymca.org.
The Carolina Games Summit Tech Expo gives attendees an opportunity to try out the latest gaming hardware and networking technology while enjoying esports events across 14 different tournaments and five different venues in Historic Downtown Wilson. The event will take place February 17th, 5pm to 11pm; and Saturday February 18th 10am to 11pm, 2023.
“Greenlight Community Broadband and Wilson Downtown Development Corporation has partnered with Carolina Games Summit to showcase just how fast its community-owned, fiber-to-the-home network can be” states Michael Everett Creative Director for Carolina Games Summit. “Citizens and businesses in Wilson have an amazing resource already thanks to 1 Gig fiber Internet through Greenlight; our goal is to push this service to speeds 10 times their current offerings.”
Attendees can expect to see just how esports and modern video games push the limits of networking and computer technology by visiting the Gig East Exchange in Historic Downtown Wilson where the 10 Gig Internet and 8K Gaming stations will be available alongside three separate Fortnite tournaments. Taking advanced hardware home will also be possible as the high end gaming hardware experts of Silver Knights PC answer questions and sell hard to get gaming hardware during the Tech Expo.
Less than a block away attendees will have full access to all the exhibits currently on display at the Imagination Station Science & History Museum plus liquid nitrogen powered tech exhibits such as LN2 overclocking extraordinaire Alex Meyers and XRVR's Mobile Reality Trailer. Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers tournaments will also be located at Imagination Station.
“Using liquid nitrogen and specialized hardware, I push computer processors far beyond their rating out of the box.” Says Alex Meyers aka thebloodslugxoc. “Seeing your name next to the fastest piece of hardware ever is a feeling I cannot easily express. I create content and document my process so anyone attending Carolina Games Summit can learn what tools they need and how to do what I do. No longer is LN2 cooling a thing that is only done in labs and behind closed doors, it's everyone else's turn now.”
XRVR's Mobile Reality Units (MRU's) are crisscrossing the Carolina's for both public and private events! Their MRU's allow you to go vanilla with just a VR headset; go full immersion with a haptic feedback suit, haptic gun, wireless headset and omni-directional treadmill or land somewhere in between. The world is (virtually) yours for the taking.
Carolina Games Summit tickets include access to the Tech Expo and are available to the public both online or in person during event hours at the Foundation YMCA downtown Wilson, NC. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting or participating at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC)
Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of promoting historic preservation and combatting community deterioration. WDDC's mission is to lead community investment and drive the social, cultural, and economic engine of an authentic Wilson by creating and promoting a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable downtown. Additional information can be found on the official web site: www.HistoricDowntownWilson.com.
About Greenlight Community Broadband:
Greenlight Community Broadband is the City of Wilson’s community-owned, fiber-to-the-home network. Since 2008, Greenlight has strived to provide comprehensive broadband connection to Wilson residents. Today, Greenlight provides gigabit level internet, television, and phone service to residents and its members. Greenlight aims to be an organization that supports the community’s economic health, enhances citizen’s lives, and improves the delivery of City services. For more information, visit www.greenlightnc.com.
About Gig East:
Gig East is Wilson’s home for technology and innovation networking, bringing the Research Triangle and Eastern North Carolina together to encourage entrepreneurial and community success and explore next generation technology. Through events, education, and partner connections, Gig East exists to support Wilson’s thinkers, creators, and dreamers. The Gig East Exchange is the physical location for Gig East, and is a hub for everyday entrepreneurs, tech startups, remote workers, and anyone who values innovation in action. The Gig East Exchange offers coworking memberships, dedicated desks, private office space, and Greenlight Community Broadband’s gigabit internet to entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.gigeast.com.
About Imagination Station Science & History Museum
The Imagination Station Science & History Museum provides informal science and history education. We create opportunities for people of all ages to learn how the world around us works. Understanding our past helps us understand our present, and discovering scientific methods helps us understand how science affects our daily lives.
We give people of all ages a chance to explore and wonder about the world through interactive exhibits. We produce engaging programs for students that introduce and reinforce classroom topics both at the museum and in your classroom through our outreach program, SHOW (Science and History On Wheels). We also reach out to the community by hosting free events throughout the year that encourage families and individuals to experience something new. Experience is how we learn. For more information, visit www.scienceandhistory.org.
About Silver Knight PCs
Established in 2017, Silver Knight PCs is your local computer store in Fayetteville, NC. Conveniently located on Bragg Blvd near Filter Plant Dr, our store is your go-to for all of your PC needs. From regular desktop computers to custom-built gaming PCs, we've got what you are looking for. In addition to our in-store selection, we also offer a variety of services including custom desktop laser work, computer repair, server installs, network configuration, computer restoration, and more for both individuals and small to mid-size businesses. For more information, visit www.silverknightpcsfayetteville.com.
About XRVR
VR arena and esports-bar and lounge, XRVR, offers immersion-scaleable VR experiences pulled from a library of over 200 games. Once opened their location will offer both alcoholic and nonalcoholic self-serve taps for patrons, esports tournaments, coaching, board games, LAN parties and more! Grab your friends and experience wireless team-based 20 x 20 VR arena combat, or experience the wonders of space from a comfortable seated position. While they find a location in Rock Hill, SC, their Mobile Reality Units (MRU’s) are crisscrossing the Carolina’s for both public and private events! Their MRU’s allow you to go vanilla with just a VR headset; go full immersion with a haptic feedback suit, haptic gun, wireless headset and omni-directional treadmill or land somewhere in between. The world is (virtually) yours for the taking. For more information, visit www.xrvrcade.com.
About Foundation YMCA
The Foundation YMCA is a non-profit, community service organization. The new, state-of-the-art facility strengthens the foundations of our community through youth development, health living and social responsibility. Y-GIG (the Middle School After School Program), two indoor pools, a variety of fitness classes, robust wellness floor, indoor track, gymnasium, and childwatch provide many opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. We are grateful to Healthcare Foundation of Wilson for the generous strategic grant that provided funding for the Foundation YMCA and Y-GIG. The Foundation YMCA opened to the public October 29, 2022. For more information, visit www.wilsonymca.org.
Click here for ticket information and sales.
Barton College will participate in the Carolina Games Summit in Historic Downtown Wilson scheduled for Friday, February 17th and Saturday February 18th. Barton College plans to award more than 50 scholarships totaling over $100,000 across 14 esports tournaments.
“We are excited to again partner with Barton College to provide a clear path for prospective esports athletes who also want to gain a nationally recognized college education,” says Michael Everett, Creative Director for Carolina Games Summit. “This year Carolina Games Summit will feature 14 tournaments across 10 games with all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place competitors eligible to receive a $2,000 esports scholarship to Barton College.”
Barton College competes in a variety of games in the National Association of Collegiate Esports. The list includes League of Legends, Rocket League, CS: GO, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six, Apex Legends, Super Smash Bros, Paladins, Smite, Fortnite, Valorant, Overwatch, Hearthstone, Madden, FIFA, and NBA 2K.
For more information on this exciting program, visit www.bartonesports.com.
"We are excited to partner with the Carolina Games Summit again this year and hope these scholarships provide a pathway for aspiring gamers to pursue their passion for gaming while earning a nationally recognized degree," said Dr. Paul Christianson, Head Esports Coach at Barton College.
Prospective students also will be able to visit Barton College representatives and current esports team members at their exhibition booth to get their scholarship or program questions answered quickly. Barton College Fall 2023 application is open and currently accepting new applications for high school seniors. Visit www.barton.edu/apply to submit your FREE application today! If you are interested in setting up a campus visit to Barton College before your competition, email Kaitlyn Dean, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, at kkdean@barton.edu to set up your campus tour!Tickets are available to the public and may be purchased online or at the door. This website fully lists all the speakers, exhibitors, and additional details. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting, or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Barton College
Founded in 1902, Barton College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college located in Wilson, N.C. The Barton Experience focuses on academic excellence within a wide range of professional and liberal arts programs leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, including master’s degrees in Nursing, Kinesiology, Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences, School Administration, and an MBA in Strategic Leadership. Barton celebrates innovation and bold thinking among faculty and staff as the College nurtures bold leadership development among students. Barton offers purposeful internships, practicums, and research/presentation in academic disciplines; engaging co-curricular cohorts; meaningful international travel and study; opportunities to give back through community service; an impressive array of cultural events; and diverse athletic competition among 24 collegiate teams. Additional information regarding Barton Esports can be found on the official website: www.bartonesports.com.
Carolina Games Summit has partnered with Wilson Downtown Development Corporation to bring 14 different esports tournaments to 5 different venues in Historic Downtown Wilson Friday, February 17th, 5 pm to 11 pm; and Saturday, February 18th, 10 am to 11 pm, 2023. The event will mark the Carolina Games Summit’s 17th year combining educational opportunities with professionally run esports events. Exhibitor booths, local artists, cosplay, tabletop gaming, and unlimited freeplay on the latest consoles and PC hardware will be returning and expanded for the 2023 event.
“We are excited to announce our first live 2023 esports event will debut in Historic Downtown Wilson North Carolina, a city known for its art, culture, and status as a technological hub of Eastern North Carolina” states Michael Everett, Creative Director for Carolina Games Summit. “Being the home of Greenlight Community Broadband, Gig East, and incredible new destinations like the Foundation YMCA gives us access to the advanced high-speed connectivity making it possible to host the Carolina Games Summit across five disjoint locations simultaneously.”
The Wilson North Carolina debut will give attendees the opportunity to explore over 30 unique local businesses within walking distance of the five chosen venues. Casita Brewing Company, Imagination Station Science & History Museum, Wilson Arts Center, Gig East Exchange, and Foundation YMCA will all play host to indoor and outdoor video game tournaments and freeplay attractions for the entire family while exposing attendees to select regularly scheduled business activities as well. Food and gaming trucks will be positioned outside select venues giving attendees an opportunity to explore the downtown area and create their own experience during the event.
“Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) marketing and events staff, in conjunction with the WDDC Promotions Committee, strives to identify and launch activities and events that will bring new and diverse visitors to Historic Downtown Wilson. Such activities and events reinforce our brand identity of art and innovation and drive traffic into our downtown shops, dining and drinking establishments, and non-profits” says Susan Kellum, Downtown Marketing & Communications Coordinator for City of Wilson. “The conversation regarding hosting esports games and tournaments, in conjunction with Barton College’s esports program, began about four years ago thanks to the input of then-WDDC Promotions Committee chair, and Wilson Tourism Events, Marketing, and Sports Coordinator, Drew Barker. Covid restrictions put it on the back burner for quite a while, but we are ecstatic to move forward with ITSS as our partner and make Wilson the new home for the Carolina Games Summit.”
Since 2006 Carolina Games Summit has been committed to hosting professionally run esports tournaments across all competitive genres including fighting games, first-person shooters, racing, sports games, and more. Next-gen consoles and high-end gaming PCs will augment venue attractions to create an experience like never before.
Carolina Games Summit tickets are available to the public and may be purchased online or at the door. Stay tuned for the latest information on tournaments, exhibitors, and event attractions. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting, or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC)
Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of promoting historic preservation and combatting community deterioration. WDDC’s mission is to lead community investment and drive the social, cultural, and economic engine of an authentic Wilson by creating and promoting a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable downtown. Additional information can be found on the official website: www.HistoricDowntownWilson.com.
About Greenlight Community Broadband:
Greenlight Community Broadband is the City of Wilson’s community-owned, fiber-to-the-home network. Since 2008, Greenlight has strived to provide comprehensive broadband connection to Wilson residents. Today, Greenlight provides gigabit level internet, television, and phone service to residents and its members. Greenlight aims to be an organization that supports the community’s economic health, enhances citizen’s lives, and improves the delivery of City services. For more information, visit www.greenlightnc.com.
About Gig East:
Gig East is Wilson’s home for technology and innovation networking, bringing the Research Triangle and Eastern North Carolina together to encourage entrepreneurial and community success and explore next generation technology. Through events, education, and partner connections, Gig East exists to support Wilson’s thinkers, creators, and dreamers. The Gig East Exchange is the physical location for Gig East, and is a hub for everyday entrepreneurs, tech startups, remote workers, and anyone who values innovation in action. The Gig East Exchange offers coworking memberships, dedicated desks, private office space, and Greenlight Community Broadband’s gigabit internet to entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.gigeast.com.
Carolina Games Summit is pleased to announce they will be providing the hardware that will power the upcoming Peach Belt Conference Fall Esports Championships, Oct. 21 and 22 at the Florence Center in Florence, S.C. The two-day event will feature the PBC Championships in Valorant and Rocket League as well as a high school recruiting Showcase allowing teams to compete in Valorant, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
This will be the second year the Peach Belt Conference fall championship has come to Florence. The league will bring 14 collegiate teams to compete on two stages for the conference titles in Valorant and Rocket League. Hosted in the main arena of the Florence Center, the space will also host the high school Showcase, presented by Stay Plugged In (SPIN). All competitions will use PCs provided by Carolina Games Summit.
We are excited to provide consistent high end gaming equipment to the Peach Belt Conference stages and practice areas, states Michael Everett, Creative Director of the Carolina Games Summit. “Each system will feature MSI RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio video cards and MPG B550 GAMING PLUS motherboards, Corsair 16GB Vengeance® RGB RAM chips and iCUE H100i Elite Capellix 240mm radiators, all powered by the AMD 5800X processor with EVGA 700W power supplies in Phanteks Eclipse G360A cases”
Tickets to the event are $10 for a single day or $20 for both days. Tickets can be purchased through the Peach Belt Conference by clicking here. High school teams wishing to register for the SPIN Showcase can visit their registration page by clicking here.
In addition to competition, the SPIN Showcase will provide high school players the opportunity to interact with college recruiters and meet the PBC college coaches in attendance. There will also be panels with the collegiate coaches, a 3-day SPIN subscription code and the ability to watch the Peach Belt championships.
Additionally, XRVR virtual reality will be set up along with many other vendors along with a free play area featuring console and PC gaming.
“Carolina Games Summit has been a great partner for this event,” said Ken Gerlinger, Assistant Commissioner and Director of Esports for the Peach Belt. “Michael and his team have been a key part of the growth of this event from the first year to the second and appreciate their commitment to providing the best hardware for all competitors.”
About Peach Belt Conference
The Peach Belt Conference is committed to providing through its dependent collegiate members, a forum for student participation in athletic, academic and co-curricular events under the auspices of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II.
They exemplify the characteristics of a premier intercollegiate conference that prides itself on the inclusion of students of all demographic groups who wish to participate in a well-rounded sports program. Their institutions, academic goals, and athletic aspirations reflect a commonality of purpose and a commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.
Please visit www.PeachBeltConference.org to learn more.
Carolina Games Summit will host Fortnite and Smash tournaments during the 8th Annual Wayne County Chamber STEAM Festival at the Maxwell Center in Goldsboro, NC on October 16, 2022. The FREE event is open to the public and seeks to expand our community’s understanding of the amazing opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math. In addition to professionally run esports tournaments the event will include CO2 powered dragster racing, interactive robotic exhibits, giant slingshots, and more.
“We are excited to join the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and all their incredible partners for this amazing educational opportunity.” states Michael Everett, Creative Director for Carolina Games Summit. “The Maxwell Center is one of the most technologically advanced convention centers we have ever worked with and we are happy to get another opportunity to host video game tournaments at this venue.”
“The Carolina Games Summit is one of the longest running esports organizations and happens to be located right here in Wayne County. Says Janet Brock, Director of Operations & Finance for the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. “They have a history of merging educational opportunities with incredibly fun amateur esports tournaments, we are happy to have them at this year‚s festival.”
Carolina Games Summit has been continually hosting professionally run amateur esports events since 2006. Hosting over 700 esports tournaments to date across all competitive genres including fighting games, first person shooters, racing, sports games, and more. In 2022 they have already hosted major events in three states, NC, SC, and KT, with several more events planned.
Carolina Games Summit tournament registration is online now, click here to visit the Tournament registration page. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on partnering with the STEAM Festival or future events.
Barton College will participate in the Carolina Games Summit at the Raleigh Convention Center and Sheraton Raleigh Hotel scheduled for Friday, August 6, through Sunday, August 8. Barton College plans to award more than 200 scholarships totaling over $400,000.
"We are excited to again partner with Barton College to provide a clear path for prospective esports athletes who also want to gain a nationally recognized college education," says Michael Everett, Creative Director for Carolina Games Summit. "This year Carolina Games Summit will feature 33 tournaments across 26 games with all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place competitors eligible to receive a $2,000 esports scholarship to Barton College."
Barton College competes in a variety of games in the National Association of Collegiate Esports, American Video Game League, Collegiate Starleague, and TESPA. The list includes League of Legends, Rocket League, CS: GO, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six, Apex Legends, Super Smash Bros, Paladins, Smite, Fortnite, Valorant, Overwatch, Hearthstone, Madden, FIFA, and NBA 2K. For more information on this exciting program, visit www.bartonesports.com."We're excited to partner with the Carolina Games Summit again this year and hope these scholarships provide a pathway for aspiring gamers to pursue their passion for gaming while earning a nationally recognized degree," said Dr. Paul Christianson, Head Esports Coach at Barton College.
Prospective students also will be able to visit Barton College representatives and current esports team members at their exhibition booth to get their scholarship or program questions answered quickly.
Tickets are available to the public and may be purchased online or at the door. Visit the official website,www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com, for a full listing of all the speakers, exhibitors, and additional details. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting, or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Barton College
Founded in 1902, Barton College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college located in Wilson, N.C. The Barton Experience focuses on academic excellence within a wide range of professional and liberal arts programs leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, including master’s degrees in Nursing, Kinesiology, Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences, School Administration, and an MBA in Strategic Leadership. Barton celebrates innovation and bold thinking among faculty and staff as the College nurtures bold leadership development among students. Barton offers purposeful internships, practicums, and research/presentation in academic disciplines; engaging co-curricular cohorts; meaningful international travel and study; opportunities to give back through community service; an impressive array of cultural events; and diverse athletic competition among 24 collegiate teams. Additional information regarding Barton Esports can be found on the official website: www.bartonesports.com
About XP League
XP League is the first-to-market youth esports league franchise that bridges the gap between conventional youth athletics and competitive esports. Founded by a team of serial entrepreneurs with backgrounds in the franchising, entertainment, and construction industries, XP League provides an innovative program that fosters social skills and sportsmanship through a positive, certified coach-led structure. Launched in September 2020, XP League has quickly grown to 37 territories in 17 states across the U.S. and Canada. With its low capital expenditure and easy-to-scale "League in a Box" business model, XP League’s simplistic operations allow franchisees to open additional territories and establish a market presence much quicker than other industries. Please visit www.xpleague.gg to learn more.
About Carolina Games Summit
Carolina Games Summit® hosts events throughout the year to give amateur esports enthusiasts access to high-quality tournaments as well as industry advice and contacts. Our goal is to provide a clear path for all individuals seeking a career in esports or games development through scholarships, educational opportunities, and professionally run tournaments. Additional information can be found on the official website: www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com
Red Bull Solo Q is back for another tournament pitting the best amateur League of Legends players in the world against one another to crown a winner, with the champion duelist winning the chance to experience Riot Games’ League of Legends All-Star Event firsthand and compete against some of the biggest names in the scene. Players can go from hometown hero to champion and receive glory, prizes, and the coveted Red Bull Solo Q trophy!
Players can sign up and register here: https://www.redbull.com/play-soloq
"There are multiple ways that players can win in Red Bull Solo Q which definitely makes for a wide variety of gameplay," says Red Bull gaming athlete KayPea. "Some people try to win with mechanics and outplaying or by getting the first turret; I personally live for the duel aspect of the 1v1. I love seeing what players are capable of from a mechanical point of view."
Red Bull Solo Q 2021 will build on last year's success, which attracted over 80,000 signups and national and international champions crowned around the world. Alongside the 2021 competition will be special appearances from some of the biggest stars in League of Legends, including Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere, the global brand ambassador for Red Bull Solo Q 2021. Sjokz has been the face of the competition since 2019 and will be part of selected events, from national tournaments all the way to the world final.
Red Bull Solo Q allows fans to make their mark by bringing LoL players to new heights! In a world where LoL is traditionally played in a 5v5 team setting, Red Bull Solo Q will settle the score and showcase individual skill with a 1v1 gameplay format. Amateurs face-off in the top lane of Summoner's Rift and can claim victory by being the first player to get two kills under seven minutes, or one kill after seven minutes, destroying the opposing player's outer turret or achieving a 100-minion creep score first.
For more information on Red Bull Solo Q, please visit: http://redbull.com/soloq
Carolina Games Summit 2021 will be hosting the game developer for the game Calorie Defenders at this year's event. The game will be on display from August 6th-8th at Raleigh Convention Center.
Calorie Defenders is an action defense platformer where you adventure as veggies inside the body helping defend the Hunger against adorable candy. You will be building up your defenses with helpful veggies and fruits. So bring along a friend for co-op action or take on the battle alone.
There will be an alpha demo of Calorie Defenders available for anyone to play. This demo is still a work in progress so you will be getting to play the game before it's released. We are very excited to show off the game and hoping to hear your feedback.
Calorie Defenders is being developed by a small indie team of 3 people across North America. We aim to make cute, fun, and family-friendly games! Come join our discord server to find out more about the development of the game http://discord.gg/caloriedefenders
Tickets are available to the public and may be purchased online or at the door. Visit the official web site,www.carolinagamessummit.com, for a full listing of all the speakers, exhibitors, and additional details. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting, or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Calorie Defenders
Calorie Defenders was an idea first conceived in 2017 while Lead Developer/Creator Barret Vasilchik was working at a job in Raleigh NC that had a break room full of candy. The struggle to resist the candy sparked the core concept of Calorie Defenders, a game about fighting the urges to eat all the delicious candy. Barret's love for 2D games and pixel art took this idea to life using a game engine called Game Maker Studio 2. While developing an early prototype he had enlisted a pixel artist named Kerrie Lake from Ontario Canada who would come to bring all the charm and cuteness into the world of Calorie Defenders. Shortly after a composer from Georgia by the name of Failpositive was brought onto the team to create the game's fun, energetic, and atmospheric soundtrack. Over the years they have been working together to create Calorie Defenders and hope to release the game sometime in the future.Official website: www.caloriedefenders.com/
About XP League
XP League is the first-to-market youth esports league franchise that bridges the gap between conventional youth athletics and competitive esports. Founded by a team of serial entrepreneurs with backgrounds in the franchising, entertainment, and construction industries, XP League provides an innovative program that fosters social skills and sportsmanship through a positive, certified coach-led structure. Launched in September 2020, XP League has quickly grown to 37 territories in 17 states across the U.S. and Canada. With its low capital expenditure and easy-to-scale "League in a Box" business model, XP League’s simplistic operations allow franchisees to open additional territories and establish a market presence much quicker than other industries. Please visit www.xpleague.gg to learn more.
About Carolina Games Summit
Carolina Games Summit® hosts events throughout the year to give amateur esports enthusiasts access to high-quality tournaments as well as industry advice and contacts. Our goal is to provide a clear path for all individuals seeking a career in esports or games development through scholarships, educational opportunities, and professionally run tournaments. Additional information can be found on the official website: www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com
Attendees will be encouraged to participate in a randomized drawing exercise. The theme is "Creating an Alien Landscape" The concept embraces the essence of an "Exquisite Corpse", a blind randomized drawing game developed by Surrealist Artists Each sheet of paper will have a template to make sure each piece can be aligned to form an elongated landscape/backdrop The backdrop can be populated with all kinds of alien/fantasy creatures or structures Participant will be equipped with drawing materials, and their own large drawing paper Hopefully we can display the results somewhere within the Convention Center premises.
Carolina Games Summit and the XP League will co-host the first major in-person esports event in 2021 at the Raleigh Convention Center from August 6-8, 2021. XP League will be hosting its inaugural North American Finals, and the Carolina Games Summit will be hosting its 15th annual esports and gaming event.
"I'm not an artist myself but watching or even taking part in Marx’s and Eric’s drawing workshop is quite an enjoyable experience," says Nicole Joyner, Event Organizer, Carolina Games Summit.
Tickets are available to the public and may be purchased online or at the door. Visit the official web site,www.carolinagamessummit.com, for a full listing of all the speakers, exhibitors, and additional details. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Marx Myth
Myth is a lifelong artist and learner. His training took a path of a BFA in painting, certificates in Animation, and a Masters in Business (focused on the Animation Industry). His work experience has fallen into the realms of Games, Simulations, and Education, and he continues to work as a freelance Illustrator/Fine Artist. Myth currently teaches Media Design and Marketing at Living Arts College in Raleigh, NC.
About Eric Knisley
Eric was born in 1961, began drawing shortly thereafter and can't seem to stop. He has self-published a couple of dozen comic books and crafted scores of CD and album covers, tee shirt designs, animation designs and more. He has also pursued a parallel career in high-tech graphics, including world-wide experience with immersive displays (domes and panoramas), including planetariums. He has deep experience in 3D modeling and animation, exhibit design, AR/VR and other tech. Eric currently works at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences as an animator and general-purpose media wrangler.
About XP League
XP League is the first-to-market youth esports league franchise that bridges the gap between conventional youth athletics and competitive esports. Founded by a team of serial entrepreneurs with backgrounds in the franchising, entertainment, and construction industries, XP League provides an innovative program that fosters social skills and sportsmanship through a positive, certified coach-led structure. Launched in September 2020, XP League has quickly grown to 37 territories in 17 states across the U.S. and Canada. With its low capital expenditure and easy-to-scale "League in a Box" business model, XP League’s simplistic operations allow franchisees to open additional territories and establish a market presence much quicker than other industries. Please visit www.xpleague.gg to learn more.
About Carolina Games Summit
Carolina Games Summit® hosts events throughout the year to give amateur esports enthusiasts access to high-quality tournaments as well as industry advice and contacts. Our goal is to provide a clear path for all individuals seeking a career in esports or games development through scholarships, educational opportunities, and professionally run tournaments. Additional information can be found on the official website: www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com
"We are excited to announce our first live 2021 esports event will debut in downtown Raleigh North Carolina, a city known for its game development, esports, and tech companies" states Michael Everett, Creative Director for Carolina Games Summit. "The Raleigh Convention Center and Sheraton Raleigh Hotel gives us access to the incredible technology and massive amount of space required to host the 2021 XP League North American Finals and the Carolina Games Summit simultaneously."
Carolina Games Summit has been continually hosting professionally run esports events since 2006. Their downtown Raleigh debut will quadruple the size of last year's event by expanding to over 50,000 square feet of ballroom space between the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel and the Raleigh Convention Center. Over 30 esports tournaments across all competitive genres including fighting games, first-person shooters, racing, sports games, and more will be showcased on hundreds of consoles and high-end gaming PCs.
Speakers and educational sessions covering game development, esports, and technology will span all three days. Exhibitor booths, local artists, cosplay, tabletop gaming and unlimited Freeplay on the latest consoles and PC hardware will be returning and expanded for the 2021 event. Carolina Games Summit ticket holders will also have the ability to watch the XP League North American Finals live including all preliminary competitions related to their tournaments on Saturday, August 7th, and Sunday, August 8th.
XP League's North American Finals will include 32 of their top-performing teams from around the US and Canada. These 224 kids, aged 8-15 years old, have been preparing for their invitation to showcase their skills at this event over several seasons.
The event is the first of its kind for children in this age group. Over the course of two intense days of gameplay, an XP League North American Champion Team will emerge victoriously. With all the elements, feelings, and spectacle of a professional esports event, the stage is set for an unprecedented experience.
"XPL’s North American Finals are positioned to set a new standard of competitive gaming championships for school-age kids. It's the crown jewel of the XP League model and invites the best of the best to meet in a fun, positive, and professional experience" says XP League CEO, Jay Melamed. "I'm beyond excited to welcome these young, yet phenomenal, sports athletes to our hometown in such a big way. I know that what we have planned, together with Carolina Games Summit (CGS) and Greater Raleigh Esports Local Organizing Committee (GRELOC), will be on a whole new level. Raleigh and CGS have been wonderful to work with and are bringing our vision to life. We have put all the right pieces in place for this to be the Little League World Series of esports"
The event being held in Raleigh is no coincidence. The Greater Raleigh area is home to numerous video game and esports companies, including leading developers Epic Games and Ubisoft, PC manufacturer Lenovo, open-source software company Red Hat, and tech giants Apple and Google. With hundreds of innovative technology companies headquartered in the region, plus a number of world-class universities and colleges, Greater Raleigh is well-positioned to become a global leader in the esports community.
"The Greater Raleigh Esports Local Organizing Committee (GRELOC) has not stopped advocating for, hosting, and supporting esports and gaming programs before, during, or after the global pandemic" states Loren Gold, Executive Vice President for Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau and Co-Chair of GRELOC. "With highly successful events from the R6 Major Raleigh, The Triangle Esports Championship to the online PUBG Mobile competition, as we move to recovery and return to live event activations, we couldn’t be more thrilled with our partnership with Carolina Games Summit and XP League. The events target two very important pieces in Greater Raleigh’s esports ecosystem; youth and regional esports programs respectively. We look forward to making this a highly successful and sustainable part of the Greater Raleigh esports annual events calendar"
Carolina Games Summit tickets are available to the public and may be purchased online or at the door. Visit the official website, www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com, for the latest information on tournaments, speakers, and event attractions. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting, or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
About XP League
XP League is the first-to-market youth esports league franchise that bridges the gap between conventional youth athletics and competitive esports. Founded by a team of serial entrepreneurs with backgrounds in the franchising, entertainment, and construction industries, XP League provides an innovative program that fosters social skills and sportsmanship through a positive, certified coach-led structure. Launched in September 2020, XP League has quickly grown to 37 territories in 17 states across the U.S. and Canada. With its low capital expenditure and easy-to-scale "League in a Box" business model, XP League’s simplistic operations allow franchisees to open additional territories and establish a market presence much quicker than other industries. Please visit www.xpleague.gg to learn more.
About Greater Raleigh Esports Local Organizing Committee (GRELOC)
The Greater Raleigh Esports Local Organizing Committee (GRELOC) is supported by a diverse group of local civic, sports and business leaders who are interested in growing esports and gaming activities. GRELOC helps stimulate the local economy and serves Greater Raleigh by helping it actively participate in the fastest-growing segment of the entertainment industry. GRELOC helps bring esports events, leagues, tournaments, teams, players, and other related gaming activities to the Greater Raleigh area and supports the local gaming community and scholastic programs. PLAY. WATCH. MAKE. http://raleighsports.gg
About Carolina Games Summit
Carolina Games Summit® hosts events throughout the year to give amateur esports enthusiasts access to high-quality tournaments as well as industry advice and contacts. Our goal is to provide a clear path for all individuals seeking a career in esports or games development through scholarships, educational opportunities, and professionally run tournaments. Additional information can be found on the official website: www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com
Participants will be asked to make a nominal donation to play and will compete for a variety of prizes that have been donated from corporate sponsors. Additionally players and non-players will have the option to make a direct donation to Atrium Health Foundation, as well as purchase raffle tickets for additional prizing opportunities.
One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Atrium Health Foundation to help support the work of Atrium Health physicians, nurses, research scientists and other talented healthcare providers who are dedicated to providing health, hope and healing for all.
"It’s generous support from community partners like 54 Sports, LLC that continues to enhance Atrium Health’s efforts to fulfill its mission of providing the best care to all," said Armando Chardiet, President of Atrium Health Foundation. "We are grateful to benefit from this gaming event, which provides a safe platform for people to support our caregivers."
“Earlier this year, 54 Sports LLC hosted the largest esports event in Charlotte, NC to date. Our goal was to host an additional three events this year, but like many businesses and organizations, we have had to postpone our original plans, says Mark Surles, founder and CEO of 54 Sports LLC. “In the meantime, our team is dedicating their resources towards creating online esports tournaments with the goal of raising funds and awareness for non-profit organizations. Atrium Health Foundation is critically important in supporting healthy communities throughout the Carolinas and Georgia, and we could not be more excited to harness the power of the gaming community in an effort to raise valuable funds for our local healthcare heroes.
"The Carolina Games Summit is excited to work with 54 Sports to produce an online Fortnite tournament that will advance health-related services in the Carolina’s through the Atrium Health Foundation," states Michael Everett, Creative Director of the Carolina Games Summit. “This is a great opportunity for gamers to give back while doing what they love in a safe environment."
To register for the tournament, purchase raffle tickets or make a direct contribution to Atrium Health Foundation, please visit https://www.healsforhealthcare.com. Contact the event organizer at kcuddihy@54sports.com for more information on participating.
About Atrium Health Foundation
Atrium Health Foundation is the point of contact for all charitable contributions benefiting Atrium Health. We are pleased to work with interested donors in support of the work of our physicians, nurses, research scientists, and other talented healthcare providers. Their exceptional efforts benefit patients throughout the Charlotte community, the Carolinas and beyond. For more information visit www.atriumhealthfoundation.org.
About 54 Sports LLC
54 Sports LLC is a full service event agency specializing in corporate experiences. 54 Sports’ services include event and post-event strategy, planning, asset procurement, budget, vendor and asset management and onsite execution. For more information visit www.54sports.com.
SANTA MONICA, CA – Red Bull North America Inc. in partnership with the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) announced today that the ultimate League of Legends (LoL) 1v1 experience, Red Bull Solo Q, is now open for registration! Today, amateur players from the United States and Canada can sign up online to compete against thousands of others in the first qualifier on August 30, 2020. The winner of the qualifier will secure a spot in the respective U.S. and Canada Finals. Registration for future qualifiers, which will be held on September 20, October 4, and October 18 will open 48 hours before competition. Players can go from hometown hero to champion and receive glory, prizes, and the coveted Red Bull Solo Q trophy!
Players can sign up and register here: https://www.redbull.com/play-soloq
"There are multiple ways that players can win in Red Bull Solo Q which definitely makes for a wide variety of gameplay," says Red Bull gaming athlete KayPea. "Some people try to win with mechanics and outplaying or by getting first turret; I personally live for the duel aspect of the 1v1. I love seeing what players are capable of from a mechanical point of view."
Red Bull Solo Q allows fans to make their mark by bringing LoL players to new heights! In a world where LoL is traditionally played in a 5v5 team setting, Red Bull Solo Q will settle the score and showcase individual skill with a 1v1 gameplay format. Amateurs face-off in the top lane of Summoner’s Rift and can claim victory by being the first player to get two kills under seven minutes, or one kill after seven minutes, destroying the opposing player’s outer turret, or achieving a 100-minion creep score first.
In celebration of the tournament, Red Bull recently released all-new Red Bull Solo Q Limited Edition cans featuring LoL champions Conqueror Alistar and Yasuo. Each can includes a special code on the tab that, beginning August 31, 2020, unlocks access to the upcoming Red Bull Solo Q leaderboard – offering consumers an additional path to enter the competition and a unique Summoner Icon (limit one per person) (additional details to come at a later date).* The new Red Bull Solo Q Limited Edition cans are currently available at retailers nationwide for a limited time and while supplies last.
For more information on Red Bull Solo Q, please visit: http://redbull.com/soloq
The Carolina Games Summit will feature an introduction to commentating by Jordan “FBI Tugboat” on Saturday, February 1st, 4pm at The Maxwell Center in Goldsboro, NC. The panel will also be streamed live at www.twitch.tv/cgs.
A graduate from the University of South Carolina, FBI Tugboat received a degree in marketing and psychology before stumbling upon his true passion for play-by-play commentary. Tugboat's career grew in 2019 to include commentary at popular events such as GameStop / Matcherino's PUBG Proving Grounds Tournament; Collegiate events with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and the Eastern College Athletic Conference; Bombastic Call of Duty competitions, like CLT Esport's $5,000 Call of Duty competition; the Military Gaming League's Branch Battle at the HyperX Esports Arena in Las Vegas; and the StanLee SuperCon in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Tugboat's session will cover the necessary preparation required to work these types of events, plus a behind the scenes look at how others may break into esports commentary or shout-casting.
“Commentators on the esports circuit have a special skill set that is hard to replicate,” says Michael Everett Creative Director of Carolina Games Summit. “It is my hope that viewers and attendees of Tugboat/Mr. Fitzpatrick's session will have a deeper understanding of what is required to commentate esports and possibly will consider this path as a full-time career.”
Tickets are available to the public and may be purchased online or at the door. Visit the official web site,www.carolinagamessummit.com, for a full listing of all the speakers, exhibitors, and additional details. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Carolina Games Summit
Carolina Games Summit® hosts events throughout the year to give amateur esports enthusiasts access to professionally run tournaments as well as industry advice and contacts. Our goal is to provide a clear path for all individuals seeking a career in professional gaming through scholarships, educational opportunities, and professionally run tournaments. Additional information can be found on the official web site:www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com
Noah Downs of Morrison Rothman LLP and Ma'idah Lashani of Epic Games will be hosting a panel discussion at the upcoming Carolina Games Summit on Saturday, February 1st, Noon at The Maxwell Center in Goldsboro, NC. The panel will also be streamed live at www.twitch.tv/cgs Viewers and attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the esports industry and the unique legal issues present within this growing industry.
Johnna Koonce, the Executive Producer for the Carolina Games Summit, states “When a new industry is just forming it is easy for individuals and companies to get taken advantage of, we are hoping this discussion will help alleviate some of those concerns”
Ma'idah Lashani is Counsel at Epic Games, where she specializes in business operations and game development. Ma'idah has nearly a decade of games industry experience, including having worked as Senior Editor at Escapist Magazine, Chair of the IGDA NC-Triangle Chapter, and Associate Counsel at Square Enix America.
Noah Downs is a video game lawyer passionate about helping his clients develop, evolve, and grow within this increasingly competitive industry. Noah's background in business law and intellectual property law allows him to help content creators, game studios, and entrepreneurs alike in unique and innovative ways. Noah has worked with businesses both large and small across a wide range of industries including music, film, television, gaming, and digital content creation.
“This talk is not designed to give situation specific legal advice, but we do feel it will point attendees and viewers in the right direction as they navigate the current esports legal landscape,” says Michael Everett, Creative Director for the Carolina Games Summit.
Tickets are available to the public and may be purchased online or at the door. Visit the official web site,www.carolinagamessummit.com, for a full listing of all the speakers, exhibitors, and additional details. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Epic Games
Founded in 1991, Epic Games is the creator of Fortnite, Unreal, Gears of War, Shadow Complex, and the Infinity Blade series of games. Epic's Unreal Engine technology brings high-fidelity, interactive experiences to PC, console, mobile, AR, VR and the Web. Unreal Engine is freely available at unrealengine.com. For the very latest on the studio, check out @EpicGames.
About Morrison Rothman LLP
Rather than hiring general practitioners, Morrison Rothman prides itself on having sought talent with niche skills and backgrounds throughout the digital entertainment, intellectual property, and brand protection industries. We give our clients truly specialized assistance in complex industries that require next-level expertise. We speak your language, we understand the technology you are working with, and we pride ourselves on being part of your team.
About Carolina Games Summit
Carolina Games Summit® hosts events throughout the year to give amateur esports enthusiasts access to professionally run tournaments as well as industry advice and contacts. Our goal is to provide a clear path for all individuals seeking a career in professional gaming through scholarships, educational opportunities, and professionally run tournaments. Additional information can be found on the official web site: www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com
