News

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sean Kelly, Syracuse University Esports, (732) 864-5906; skelly32@syr.edu

Syracuse University and Visit Myrtle Beach collaborate to bring premier esports event, Boost on the Beach, back to The Hangout on March 14-15 for its fourth year in a row.

Myrtle Beach, SC, February 24, 2026 – Syracuse University Esports is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach as they bring the multi-award-winning Boost on the Beach event back to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for the fourth consecutive year. Hosted at The Hangout on March 14-15, 2026, this year’s event will feature 12 teams from across the country competing in an electrifying Rocket League tournament, showcasing top collegiate talent on a national stage.

“Bringing Boost on the Beach back to The Hangout for the fourth year in a row is incredibly special for us,” said Dr. Joey Gawrysiak, Executive Director of Esports at Syracuse University. “This event perfectly captures what we love about collegiate esports, high-level Rocket League competition, unforgettable experiences for our students, and a setting that brings energy and excitement you just can’t replicate anywhere else. Myrtle Beach raises the bar each year, and we’re thrilled to continue building on that momentum together.”

“Myrtle Beach is all about fun and we’re thrilled to host Boost on the Beach and be the premier destination for emerging sports and innovative events,” said Stuart Butler, President, Visit Myrtle Beach. “Esports attract a highly engaged audience of students, families and fans who extend their stay, explore our coastal communities and contribute to the local economy. Partnering with Syracuse University on this exciting event allows us to showcase Myrtle Beach’s unforgettable experiences both on and off the screen.”

This ongoing collaboration continues to elevate the event’s impact by blending premier esports competition with a destination-driven experience, creating meaningful opportunities for student competitors, fans, and industry partners alike. By uniting Syracuse University’s collegiate esports leadership with Visit Myrtle Beach’s commitment to hosting world-class events, Boost on the Beach remains a standout celebration of competition, community, and innovation in the rapidly growing esports landscape.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Feb. 19, 2026) – Syracuse University Esports is proud to announce its collaboration with DataCoach, a personalized esports coaching and analytics platform, specializing in Rocket League. This joint effort reflects Syracuse University’s commitment to innovation, competitive excellence, and the continued growth of its collegiate program.

Through this collaboration, Syracuse University Esports will be able to use DataCoach’s advanced performance analytics to enhance team strategy, player development, and competitive preparations. By translating complex in-game data metrics into clear valuable insights, DataCoach empowers players and coaches to make informed real-time decisions that drive consistent improvement and long-term success.

DataCoach specializes in adaptable esports analytics, combining game data, player tendencies, and strategic breakdowns into a coaching framework designed for both individual growth and team-wide development. For Syracuse, this means deeper strategic understanding of the game itself and a data-informed approach that mirrors techniques used in traditional sports.

Syracuse University Esports has built a reputation as a leader in the collegiate esports space, prioritizing not only competitive results but also student development, career readiness, and academic integration. The collaboration with DataCoach strengthens this mission by reinforcing the educational value of analytics, critical thinking, and performance evaluation.

Josh Robinson, Founder & CEO of DataCoach, emphasized the shared vision behind the collaboration. “We are excited to work with Syracuse and contribute to the continued growth of their esports program through data-driven team strategy and player development,” said Robinson. “Syracuse is pushing the boundaries of collegiate esports, and we’re excited to provide our unique analytical expertise in support of smarter strategies, player development, and sustained competitive success.”

From an academic standpoint, the collaboration aligns with Syracuse University’s broader emphasis on experiential learning.

Dr. Joey Gawrysiak, Executive Director of Syracuse University Esports, highlights on how working with DataCoach enhances the educational impact of the program. “DataCoach is by far the best platform we have seen for esports data analysis. This will not only help improve our gameplay, but will help create stats and storylines for our production students to use on air”. Gawrysiak further illustrates, “I am excited to really dive into this with our students to see how we can utilize this amazing platform for our teams, production, and in the classroom as we find ways to integrate with our sport analytics program in Falk College as well”.

By integrating DataCoach’s platform, Syracuse players will gain hands-on experience with analytical systems that mirror professional sports environments. This approach not only supports competitive excellence but also reinforces Syracuse University’s mission to prepare students for success in an increasingly data-driven world. The collaboration underscores the evolving role of esports within higher education, where competitive play, academic learning, and technological innovation intersect. Together, Syracuse University Esports and DataCoach aim to establish a new standard for how collegiate esports programs can utilize analytics-driven coaching to foster smarter gameplay, deeper learning, and sustainable competitive success. Check them out for yourself at www.datacoach.gg.

Three powerhouse programs bolster PEC’s expanding collegiate roster

The Power Esports Conference (PEC) is getting a major boost for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The University of Minnesota, University of Utah, and Baylor University are joining the fold, bringing fresh talent, deeper competition, and new storylines to one of collegiate esports’ most dynamic conferences.

The addition of these three schools raises the PEC’s total membership to nine institutions, signaling a continued surge in collegiate esports momentum across North America. The conference has become a hotspot for high-level, student-centered competition in titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Valorant, Rocket League, and Overwatch 2.

Each of the new members brings something different to the table—whether it’s an already-established program, an energetic fan base, or a commitment to the holistic development of student competitors. For Doug Goon, Program Director for Esports at Minnesota, the opportunity marks a major leap forward.

“Joining the Power Esports Conference is an exciting step forward for our program,” Goon said. “We’re eager to compete at a higher level and give our students a platform to showcase their skills on a national stage.”

That sentiment is echoed by AJ Dimick, Esports Director at the University of Utah, who emphasized how well the PEC’s vision aligns with the Utes’ approach.

“Utah Esports is proud to join a conference that aligns with our vision for competitive integrity, academic balance, and program growth,” Dimick said.

The PEC’s current lineup already features some heavy hitters. Boise State enters the new season as reigning champions in Rocket League and Overwatch 2, while Michigan State claimed the 2025 titles in both Valorant and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Programs like Syracuse, Nebraska, Kansas, and Ohio State continue to build strong rosters and passionate communities, setting the stage for a highly competitive field this fall.

Adam Stanley, Director of Esports and Head Coach at Baylor, sees the conference as a natural
fit.

“This is a great opportunity for our players, our fans, and our institution,” Stanley said. “We’re honored to be part of a growing and respected esports ecosystem.”

Beyond the obvious boost in competition, the expansion adds exciting new regional rivalries and opportunities for student shoutcasters, analysts, and esports professionals-in-training to shine on larger platforms. With more schools, more games, and more exposure, the 2025-26 PEC season is shaping up to be its biggest yet.

Schedules, matchups, and new broadcast partnerships are set to be announced in the coming weeks. But one thing’s already clear—the PEC just leveled up.

Syracuse University and global esports and gaming organization Gen.G are collaborating on a multi-year partnership designed to enhance student engagement opportunities and support the University’s first-of-its-kind esports communications and management bachelor’s program.

The partnership will feature participation in the Gen.G Practicum Abroad, which offers students the opportunity to take part in an intensive, three-week program to study in South Korea. The partnership will also bring Gen.G’s Campus Takeover conference and program to Syracuse to celebrate the University’s soon-to-be-completed esports hub in the center of campus at the Schine Student Center. Campus Takeover events draw students, faculty, professional leaders and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss key issues and emerging trends in the esports and gaming industries.

Syracuse University is the first major university in the country to offer an esports bachelor’s program. The degree is offered jointly by the Newhouse School of Public Communications and Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

“As a leader in esports education, it is essential for Syracuse to deliver to the right mix of academic excellence and hands-on experiences to our students,” says Joey Gawrysiak, executive director of the esports degree program. “Given Gen.G’s outstanding track record of delivering educational programming that resonates with students, we look forward to building this important partnership in a growing field.”

The Gen.G Practicum Abroad program will offer Syracuse students an expansive hands-on learning experience in the heart of the esports industry in South Korea. The program led by Gen.G professionals includes custom esports programming, mentorship by industry professionals, special lectures, industry “lunch-and-learns” and professional networking, all while immersing students in Korean culture and its history in esports. Students will visit competitive organizations and gaming publisher studios.

Students will also take part in Gen.G’s award-winning Campus Takeover event, which will be hosted for the first time on the Syracuse campus in fall 2025. The free-to-enter conference will focus on supporting the esports ecosystem in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, promoting academic, broadcast and competitive excellence through informative panels and seminars featuring industry professionals. The Campus Takeover at Syracuse will also be the first to feature an innovative business case study competition.

“Syracuse and Gen.G believe education plays a critical role in the future development of esports and gaming globally, so we’re committed to delivering hands-on experiences for the students who seek a rewarding career in our industry,” says Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G. Hur and Yugina Yan, the company’s assistant director of operations for education will serve as development advisors to the Syracuse’s esports program.

Last spring, Gen.G hosted industry lectures for students in the Department of Sport Management in Falk College and a marketing lecture exclusively for Syracuse esports students during the League of Legends World Championships in Berlin.

Gen.G’s commitment to education is celebrating its fifth year with its Gen.G Foundation, a $1 million pledge over the next 10 years to advance the importance of education in the esports and gaming industry. The foundation awards scholarships to more than 40 students across the United States. Gen.G also operates the Gen.G Global Academy, the world’s first fully integrated academic esports program in Korea.

About Gen.G

United under #TigerNation, Gen.G’s core mission is to help fans and athletes use the power of gaming and esports to get ahead in and beyond the competition. With an emphasis on education, DEI initiatives, and innovative partnerships, Gen.G is a commercial and thought leader, building a global, inclusive and cross-cultural future for gaming. Its unique portfolio of teams includes the Seoul Dynasty (Overwatch League), League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), the Gen.G & Gen.G Black VALORANT teams, the PUBG Gen.G team, and the NBA2K’s Gen.G Tigers (the first non-NBA owned team in the NBA 2K League). Gen.G has also been a major proponent in seamlessly bringing in non-endemic brand partners to the world of gaming and esports, including 1Password, Burberry, Crocs, King’s Hawaiian, McDonald’s, Mobil1, Procter & Gamble, Toyota, and more. Gen.G also operates the Gen.G Global Academy, the world’s first fully-integrated academic esports program in Korea. Gen.G’s teams, content creators and corporate staff work out of their offices in Los Angeles, Seoul and Shanghai. For more information, visit GenG.gg or follow on Twitter @GenG.