NFL and PlayVS Unveil Exciting Second Season of Madden NFL Youth Championship

NFL and PlayVS Launch Second Season of Madden NFL Youth Championship

In a significant announcement, the National Football League (NFL) and PlayVS, a prominent amateur esports platform, have relaunched the Madden NFL Youth Championship (MYC) for its highly anticipated second season. Following the success of its inaugural season, this year's championship introduces several new features designed to enhance the experience for participants, including expanded eligibility and thrilling prizes.

A New Chapter for Young Gamers

Starting this season, the MYC will now also welcome young gamers from Canada, allowing even more students to join in the excitement of the competition. This move seeks to broaden the scope of the event, drawing in a diverse pool of participants who share a passion for Madden NFL. “We are 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.,” stated Ed Kiang, NFL's Vice President of Video Gaming. “With expansion abroad, we can bring more fans the opportunity to experience the MYC excitement and further support our mission to engage with our sport through gaming.”

The MYC allows students aged 13-18, enrolled in middle or high school in the U.S. and Canada, to participate in this free-to-enter competition. Not only do participants get the chance to compete in Madden NFL 26, but they also get to connect with their peers and deepen their engagement with the sport of football.

Grand Prize and Tournament Structure

One of the standout features of the MYC is the inclusion of a grand prize that truly elevates the stakes. This year's champion will receive a paid trip for themselves and a parent or guardian to attend Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The opportunity to be part of such a monumental event adds an exciting incentive for participants and reflects the NFL’s commitment to fostering youth engagement in the sport.

To ensure a better tournament experience, the MYC has implemented an improved competition structure with a dual-path qualification system. This allows students to compete either through open tournaments or as part of their official school teams. The Open Tournaments consist of two qualifiers scheduled for:

- Qualifier Tournament #1: Nov. 7-9, 2025
- Qualifier Tournament #2: Jan. 9-11, 2026

In these qualifiers, the top eight players from each tournament will secure their places in the MYC Finals. Additionally, students who participate through their schools will have avenues to qualify based on their performance in state or regional championships facilitated by PlayVS' official league competition. In total, the finals will feature a showdown among the top 16 qualifier players along with the top 16 school champions, culminating in a thrilling 32-player single-elimination bracket on January 20, 2026.

A Community-driven Approach

Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS, expressed enthusiasm about the championship’s mission: “The Madden NFL Youth Championship embodies what PlayVS is all about — giving students a chance to connect, compete, and grow through gaming. By expanding eligibility to Canada and introducing both open and scholastic paths to the finals, we're creating more opportunities for young players to engage with football in a fun, inclusive, and community-driven way.” This emphasis on community further highlights the importance of being able to connect with likeminded individuals through shared interests in gaming and sports.

Ready to Compete?

Registration for the MYC Qualifiers has officially opened, and eligible middle and high school students in the U.S. and Canada are encouraged to participate. Interested participants can visit playvs.com/madden-nfl-youth-championship to learn more about the competition details and secure their spots.

This initiative serves as a fantastic platform for young gamers to showcase their skills, engage with their favorite sport, and build friendships along the way. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the electrifying world of Madden NFL!

For more updates and information follow PlayVS and NFL channels as the championship progresses.