The DuPage Sports Commission (DSC) and Big Esports Conference (BEC) are thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated BEC Championship will be held during Midwest Battleground 2026, the premier esports event in the Chicagoland region hosted by DSC. Set for March 6-8, 2026, this signature event promises to deliver a powerhouse weekend for esports athletes, coaches, and fans, bringing together top collegiate teams from across the nation.
With Midwest Battleground and the BEC Championship happening together, their synergy will create a dynamic atmosphere as each event crowns champions in Valorant, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. More than 100 collegiate teams are expected to attend, with 72 competing in Midwest Battleground and 32 competing in BEC Championship.
“Midwest Battleground provides an unmatched venue and location for our championship,” said BEC Conference Commissioner Kevin Palmer. “With the deepest roots of the Big Ten belonging in the Midwest, we hope that fans of these institutions, from around this region, are able to come cheer on their favorite school, in a sport that they may have a deeper connection to than traditional sports.”
Adding even more synergy to the event schedule will be state championships in Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, hosted by the Illinois High School Esports Association (IHSEA). More than 300 gamers representing 40 high school teams from across Illinois are expected to compete — up from 31 teams in 2025.
The unified weekend unlocks unique advantages for everyone — high school competitors get a rare opportunity to see BEC teams from other states compete in person and meet their coaches, while BEC athletes can dive into Midwest Battleground’s hands-on workshops, speaker panels, educational sessions, and expo.
“DSC’s goal is to give student-athletes a stage that matches their dedication and talent,” said DSC Director of Sports Igor Bakovic. “Through this event, we can provide an exciting platform to foster the next generation of esports stars, spark engagement at every level, and showcase how gamers can thrive in high school, college, and beyond.”
For further event details and registration information for the BEC Championship, follow @BigEsportsConf on X. Registration is currently live for Midwest Battleground, with all details found at MidwestBattleground.com. With the biggest names in collegiate esports in attendance, plus a sizeable reach to players and families in Illinois, sponsorship provides authentic opportunities to establish brand awareness and connection. Sponsorship packages are offered through DSC and can be found on the Midwest Battleground event website.
ABOUT THE DUPAGE SPORTS COMMISSION
Created by the not-for-profit organization DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB), the DuPage Sports Commission (DSC) was founded in 2019 to harness the power of sports tourism on behalf of the County’s 38 communities and one million residents. The DSC is uniquely positioned to advocate for and actively impact the health of DuPage communities through strategic growth as an amateur, youth, and professional sporting destination. For more information, visit DuPageSportsCommission.com.