Gaming for Arizona’s Children Returns for Annual Esports Tournament

Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) is teaming up with Grand Canyon University Esports and the Arizona Cardinals for the third annual Gaming for Arizona’s Children event, taking place November 14-15. The two-day esports tournament will bring gamers from across the state together for friendly competition while raising funds for programs that protect children, empower youth and strengthen families throughout Arizona.

The event will feature competitions in Super Smash Bros., Rocket League and Marvel Rivals. Players will compete November 14 at Grand Canyon University, with top competitors advancing to the championship finals November 15 at State Farm Stadium before the Arizona Cardinals take on the Los Angeles Rams. A portion of every event ticket purchased will benefit Arizona’s Children Association and its work supporting children and families statewide.

“Gaming for Arizona’s Children demonstrates how play can be a powerful tool for connection. For many children in foster care, gaming provides a way to stay connected with friends, siblings, and supportive adults when other parts of their lives are changing, creating moments of stability, belonging, and hope,” said Tracy Thurston, president and CEO of Arizona’s Children Association. “We’re grateful to GCU and the Cardinals for helping us support children and families across Arizona.”

Each registered tournament participant will receive entry into one competition and a ticket to the Cardinals-Rams game. Participants will also have the opportunity to compete for prizes and take part in an exclusive postgame photo opportunity on the Cardinals field. Reserved seating will allow teammates, coaches, families and supporters to enjoy the game together.

Beyond the competition, the event will provide young adults participating in Arizona’s Children Association’s Successful Transition to Adulthood program with an opportunity to shadow GCU employees throughout the weekend. Participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at esports production, event operations and potential career paths within the growing gaming industry.

The event also holds personal significance for Jay DeShong, director of esports at GCU, who was adopted by his grandparents after experiencing instability and the loss of his mother at a young age. His personal experiences have shaped his commitment to helping young people find the support, connections and opportunities they need to build successful futures.

“I didn’t have an easy start, but I had people who believed in me,” DeShong said. “Now I get to be part of an event that gives kids support, community and a look at a future they might not have imagined for themselves.”

Through his partnership with Arizona’s Children Association, DeShong helped establish the gaming event as a creative way to raise funds and awareness for children and families in need. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit arizonaschildren.org.