#USA #Winter Park #Full Sail University #Madden NFL #EA Esports

Madden NFL 26 Championship Series Returns

EA Esports and Full Sail University have announced the exciting return of the Madden NFL 26 Championship Series (MCS 26) for another year. This prestigious event will once again take place at the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress, marking its second consecutive year at this vibrant location, nestled in Winter Park, Florida.

The MCS 26 competitions and live broadcast productions are scheduled to run from September 2025 through January 2026, featuring various challenges that offer both competitive thrills and opportunities for engagement with the Madden community. The series kicked off with the Kickoff Challenge on September 10, 2025, followed by the Most Feared Challenge on October 15, 2025, the Zero Chill Challenge on December 10, 2025, and concluding with the Last Chance Qualifier on January 21, 2026.

Last year's MCS saw tremendous success, and this year, EA and Full Sail are expanding their collaboration, which included hiring over forty Full Sail graduates for essential production roles. The partnership has provided more than fifty students with hands-on learning experiences in areas such as media production and shoutcasting. As a testament to their commitment to educational excellence, EA will continue to contribute to a scholarship fund supporting Full Sail University students seeking careers in the dynamic fields of entertainment and technology.

Monica Dinsmore, the Head of Esports at EA, emphasized, “EA SPORTS Madden NFL is proudly developed in Orlando, so it’s fitting that Full Sail will continue to be our home for the Madden Championship Series this season.” This ongoing relationship not only facilitates a unique real-world learning experience for students but also underscores the importance of community collaboration in the Esports realm.

John P. Saboor, Executive Director and Head of Partnerships at Full Sail University, expressed his excitement for this year's series, stating, “Our experience in hosting the MCS last season exceeded our expectations on so many levels. Our partners at EA Esports created a dynamic real-world experience for our students. We are thrilled to enhance this collaboration in our second year, as we develop an even more powerful and immersive experience for students and fans alike.”

Participants in the competitions will compete for a lucrative prize pool of USD $150,000, along with coveted MCS points that are essential for aspiring champions. Audiences from around the globe are invited to tune in to the MCS 26 action on popular streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, enabling fans to be part of the excitement regardless of their location.

Moreover, the advanced facilities at the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress not only enhance the competitions but also serve as a unique venue for showcasing the talents of the top Madden competitors. The arena is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that enhances both the gaming experience and the viewing experience for audiences.

To keep up with MCS 26 updates, be sure to follow the tournament series on social media platforms like X and Instagram. For complete details on the competition rules and registration, visit Madden Championship.

This year’s series promises to be bigger and better than ever, as EA Esports and Full Sail University continue to strengthen their strategic partnership, paving the way for future collaborations in the gaming industry. With renowned game titles under their belt, including the massively popular Madden NFL franchise, both EA and Full Sail aim to inspire the next generation of gaming professionals through innovative events and enriching educational opportunities.