Madden NFL Championship Series Returns to Full Sail for MCS 26 Kickoff The Madden NFL 26 esports season kicks off September 10 at Full Sail University, featuring elite players, $150,000 in prizes, and student-led production

For the second straight year, EA Sports is partnering with Full Sail University to host the Madden NFL Championship Series (MCS). The first competition of the season—the MCS 26 Kickoff Challenge—lands on September 10 at the Orlando Health Fortress, one of the largest collegiate esports arenas in the country.

💰 Prize Pool & Competition Format

Eight of the world’s best Madden NFL 26 players will face off in this LAN event, battling for $150,000 in prize money and valuable MCS points. The action will be available both live at the Fortress and via EA Sports’ Madden Twitch and YouTube channels.

🎮 Upcoming Events in the MCS 26 Series

The Kickoff Challenge is only the beginning. Full Sail will also host the following competitions:

Most Feared Challenge — October 15, 2025
Zero Chill Challenge — December 10, 2025
Last Chance Qualifier — January 21, 2026

Each stop builds momentum toward crowning this year’s Madden NFL esports champion.

🎥 Student & Alumni Involvement

A standout feature of the partnership is the hands-on production experience for Full Sail students and graduates. From camera operation and lighting to streaming coordination, students will play vital roles in bringing the event to life.

Over 40 Full Sail graduates also contributed to the development of Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26, further cementing the school’s connection to EA Sports.

🎓 Scholarships & Expanded Partnership

EA will again contribute to a scholarship fund for Full Sail students, supporting the next generation of creative and technical talent. As part of the expanded partnership, EA is exploring additional content creation opportunities on campus surrounding this year’s competitions.

📝 Final Thoughts

The return of the MCS to Full Sail highlights not only EA Sports’ commitment to competitive Madden but also the value of industry-academic collaboration. With top players, big stakes, and student-driven production, the MCS 26 Kickoff Challenge is shaping up to be one of the premier esports events of the fall.