Date: March 13, 2026

Writer: Fred Martino, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Student Activities

A major event for students who love video games continues to grow at New Mexico State University. NMSU saw an estimated 1,100 guests on the first day of the 5th Annual NM State Esports Invitational that was held March 7 and 8 at Corbett Center Student Union.

34 schools attended this year’s Invitational, including middle schools (6), high schools (22), and post-secondary institutions (6) from around the Southwest region. There were 975 students who registered to compete in their respective game titles.

The game titles featured this year were: Chess, League of Legends, Mario Kart 8, Marvel Rivals, Overwatch, Rocket League, Splatoon 3, Street Fighter 6, Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, and Valorant.

Over 110 student volunteers performed various roles that included: Check-in process, registering devices, troubleshooting tech issues, managing tournament play, broadcast, or being a part of the production team.

Esports members maintained 10 online streams via Twitch.TV, which allowed viewers to engage with the Esports crew and watch the competitive Esports being played.

“I am honored to be associated with this group of hard working, dedicated students who truly treat Esports like a full-time job,” said Josh Taylor, Associate Dean of Students at New Mexico State University and Esports Advisor. “I take zero credit for the success of NM State Esports and may all the glory go to the students involved, specifically Victor Sierra, Issac Perez, Aidan Leon, Jeffrey Mickle, Abel Madrid, and Maurize Aragon.” Taylor also credited fellow Esports Advisor Matt Ross for the event’s continued growth and success.

NMSU Esports Vice President Issac Perez was thrilled with the large turnout. “The outcome of invitational was better than we could have ever asked for. We were able to bring so many different people from various ages and backgrounds around the region together to compete in their favorite video games,” said Perez. “I would like to give my appreciation to all the staff in Corbett Center that helped out during the event, it really takes a village. The incredible staff of Esports Student Volunteers worked endlessly to ensure that the event was continuing smoothly, and every guest was welcomed to NMSU.”

Esports partnered with several NMSU departments/colleges who either had a table at the event, supplied a donation, or both. Partners included the College of Arts and Sciences, NMSU STEM Outreach Programs, PSL, NMSU Women in Computing, and AWO – Family Engagement. Sponsors included: NMSU College of Arts and Sciences, ASNMSU, Alienware and Dell Technologies, Xfinity, and Geek Shack.