Purdue University Northwest and the Esports program is set to host the UNIFIED Gaming Fanfest on Saturday, March 4 through Sunday, March 5 at the Westville campus in the Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex (DSAC) in the gymnasium.

"PNW Esports is very excited to be able to host our first esports tournament with Unified Esports Association," said Head Esports Coach Justin Bragg. "Unified is well known within the collegiate esports space for their in-person events and we couldn't have asked for a better partner for our first event.  Being able to build connections with other teams and bringing the social aspect of gaming is important to our program. This is why we were adamant on being able to host a tournament with Unified.  We are looking forward to offering in person tournaments to our esports teams and bringing the Northwest Indiana community together through gaming."

This special event is loaded with family-friendly activities including high school and collegiate tournaments, panels from coaches and industry professionals, and series of gaming quests to adventure through with friends and all attendees. Players of all different skill levels can earn prizes by playing various games throughout the weekend.

"I'm excited to have the ability for PNW to be able to experience the in person fun that can be found in competitive esports LAN's," said sophomore Rocket League player Andrew McDowell (Portage, Ind./Portage Christian). "Playing against schools that we get to see online is something I am really looking forward to."

Registration for the event is NOW open here -> UNIFIED Gaming Fanfest Registration

During the event, their will be a College League of Legends tournament for the Midwest Esports Conference.  Teams participating-- Grand View University, Briar Cliff University, Drury University, Purdue University Northwest, Illinois College, Ottawa University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ohio Northern University

Game schedule for MEC: 

SATURDAY, March 4th

10 AM- Ohio Northern University vs Purdue Northwest
1 PM- Illinois College vs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 
4 PM- Grand View University vs Drury University 
7 PM- Briar Cliff University vs Ottawa University

SUNDAY, March 5th

10 AM- Grand View vs Briar Cliff University 
1 PM- Drury University vs Illinois College 
4 PM- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign vs Ohio Northern University 
7 PM- Purdue Northwest vs Ottawa University

There will also be high school specific tournaments for Valorant during the gaming weekend.

Tickets vary with a Spectators Pass, Adventurer Pass, Champion Pass, or a special VIP Pass to enjoy the gaming event.

Buy your tickets here -> UNIFIED PNW Tickets

Note: The ticket that is bought gets you into the event for the whole weekend.

Doors open at 9:00 AM CT for the event.

Walk in registrations will be allowed, and this is open to ANYONE who wants to participate.

If you have any questions regarding the esports tournament, please email Head Coach of Esports, Justin Bragg, at Bragg10@pnw.edu and he will be able to answer any questions you have about registration or additional information about the event.

Unified is dedicated to providing an exceptional esports experience for student-athletes and gaming enthusiasts alike. In addition to the main stage collegiate League of Legends conference, the event also offers dozens of open tournaments, competitions, and educational panels which are designed to connect aspiring athletes with nearby coaches and resources. Additionally, these events feature a more casual "for fun" quest system of classic and current generation video games that reward players of any skill level for participating.

For more information about Unified Esports Association and the Midwest Esports Conference, visit unified.gg.