Briar Cliff Hosts Second-Annual GPAC Esports Invitational

Briar Cliff Hosts Second-Annual GPAC Esports Invitational

April 26, 2026

Briar Cliff University welcomed student gamers and spectators from across the region on Saturday, April 25, for the second-annual Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Esports Invitational, bringing together competition, community, and a growing collegiate esports presence.

Six institutions competed in this year's event, including Briar Cliff University, Morningside University, Northwestern College, Concordia University (Nebraska), Doane University, and Waldorf University.

The invitational served as the culmination of online matches played earlier in April, with top teams advancing to in-person competition. The day featured both a third-place match and Grand Finals, while Super Smash Bros. hosted a full in-person bracket.

Held in the Heelan Hall Atrium, the event transformed the space into a competitive gaming hub, with players setting up consoles and personal equipment while spectators gathered to watch matchups in popular titles such as Overwatch and Super Smash Bros.

Beyond competition, the event emphasized accessibility and community engagement. Attendees were invited to participate in retro and tabletop games between matches, creating an inclusive environment for both seasoned players and casual fans.

The GPAC Esports Invitational continues to build momentum as a conference-wide event. The inaugural tournament was hosted in 2025 at Morningside University, following earlier standalone competitions in Sioux City. Briar Cliff's role as this year's host reflects the university's continued investment in esports and student engagement opportunities.

Open to the public, the invitational brought together players, fans, and community members for a full day of competition and connection, highlighting the evolving role of esports in collegiate athletics and campus life.