ATHENS, W.Va (The Hinton News) — Concord University Esports, West Virginia Army National Guard, and PlayVS College League will unite in Athens this fall to produce the best in high school and college tactical, high-stakes Valorant competition.
CU is excited to host the Passion Series Powered by the West Virginia Army National Guard Nov. 6-8 at the Nick Rahall Technology Center’s Esports headquarters. The tournament is free to enter for all high school and college students aged 13-24, and is sure to spotlight some high-energy, intense matches among all rivals.
“The teams are hungry, and we love bringing them together to compete — offering them a place to celebrate the rivalries they’ve created,” Concord Esports Director Austin Clay said. “The Passion Series is built on fierce collegiate rivalries, and we’ve put together a top-tier experience so competitors and spectators can really embrace it and enjoy every moment live.”
The Passion Series is a collegiate esports tournament initiative created by Concord University Esports where they hold different esports titles for other universities to compete in partnership with other organizations, including this year’s partner: West Virginia Army National Guard. The program bridges the gap between competitive collegiate gaming and real-world career opportunities by using the intense environment of esports to highlight
technical skills that translate into military and civilian professions. Teams will compete in a double-elimination bracket vying for their shot at part of the $3,000 prize pool.
The Passion Series activation is part of the Army National Guard’s strategic partnership with PlayVS, announced in April 2026, which aims to expand access to scholastic eSports while educating students on related career opportunities available through the National Guard in key states, including West Virginia.
“We are really excited to be a part of this year’s competition.” PlayVS Head of Partnerships Charles O’Donnell said. “For several years Concord Esports has put together one of the marquee Fall esports in the region, and we hope our participation alongside the National Guard will elevate this year’s event to new heights.”
“The West Virginia Army National Guard is proud to be a part of this marquee event, where we’ll have the opportunity to advance our mission by showing students how they can use their gaming skills to build rewarding careers that set them up for the future and help them make an impact in their communities,” said Sergeant First Class George Bennett. “At every stage of the competition, these skilled competitors will demonstrate the teamwork, communication and problem-solving required to compete and win. These are the same skills National Guard Soldiers bring to their roles each day in fields like cyber, engineering, intelligence, networking and more.”
Spectators can catch all the action live at the Nick Rahall Technology Center, beginning at 10 a.m. on Nov. 7. It will also be streamed live on Concord Esports’ Twitch page at twitch.tv/concorduesports
About Concord Esports:
Based out of the Nick Joe Rahall III Technology Center at Concord University in Athens, WV, Concord Esports has captured more than 24 national championships in its short span. It is a premier collegiate gaming organization dedicated to developing student-athletes and delivering high-quality professionals ready to work in a variety of fields in their communities upon graduation.
About Playvs
PlayVS is North America’s leading scholastic and collegiate gaming platform, helping students unlock the educational, social, and personal benefits of competitive gaming. The company brings together students, coaches, educators, and schools through structured, education-aligned competition and curriculum across K-12 and college. PlayVS is the official esports partner of the NFHS Network, the Special Olympics, and state and regional organizations across the U.S. To learn more, visit playvs.com
About the Army National Guard (ARNG):
With a presence in 54 states and territories, the Army National Guard is a unique component of the U.S. Army where Soldiers support communities in their home state by responding to domestic emergencies and at the federal level as standby support for Active Duty Soldiers. Army National Guard Soldiers have the flexibility to serve part-time across medical, aviation, law enforcement, transportation, and engineering fields and beyond, while also pursuing their personal and professional goals through a civilian career or higher education. For more information on the opportunities in the National Guard, visit NationalGuard.com.
