Wisconsin Esports Summit Returns for Year Five with Sim Racing, VR, Collegiate Invitational & Expanded Community Programming
Year 5 levels up with immersive VR, high-speed sim racing and expanded community programming across Wisconsin.
MILWAUKEE (February 27, 2026) – The Wisconsin esports ecosystem continues to accelerate. The fifth annual Wisconsin Esports Summit returns to the UWM Panther Arena on Tuesday, March 17, bringing together educators, collegiate programs, industry leaders, students, and gaming enthusiasts for Wisconsin’s largest esports-focused conference and expo.
Now entering its fifth year, the Summit has become a cornerstone event for the state’s growing competitive gaming community. In 2026, the event expands its footprint with new interactive experiences, collegiate competition, and community-driven activations designed to showcase the evolution of esports across Wisconsin.
New in 2026: Sim Racing & Virtual Reality Experiences
This year’s Summit introduces a dedicated Sim Racing activation, giving attendees the opportunity to experience high-performance racing simulators that mirror real-world motorsport physics and competition. The addition reflects the continued growth of sim racing at both the scholastic and collegiate levels, as well as its crossover appeal with traditional sports audiences.
“These additions aren’t just attractions, they represent where the industry is heading,” said Brandon Tschacher, President of the Milwaukee Esports Alliance. “Sim racing and VR sit at the intersection of competition, education, and workforce development. We want Wisconsin to be part of that conversation.”
Inaugural Wisconsin Esports Conference SSBU Invitational
A major competitive highlight of the 2026 Summit is the inaugural Wisconsin Esports Conference Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Invitational, a 1v1 collegiate tournament featuring student competitors from 15 Wisconsin colleges and universities.
Hosted in partnership with the Wisconsin Esports Conference (WEC), the Invitational showcases some of the top collegiate Smash talent in the state in a high-level, mid-season spotlight event.
The WEC has experienced consistent year-over-year growth and now serves as a central hub for collegiate esports competition across Wisconsin. The Invitational represents a new milestone in elevating in-state collegiate talent on a larger stage.
Education, Industry & Community
Beyond gameplay, the Wisconsin Esports Summit continues its core mission: connecting educators, administrators, and industry professionals to build sustainable esports programs throughout the state.
Attendees can expect:
- Breakout sessions and panel discussions
- Collegiate program collaboration
- Industry exhibitors and vendors
- Free play areas featuring console and PC gaming
- Networking opportunities across education and business sectors
The Summit’s growth has been driven not by outside investment or grant funding, but by sustained community and partner support, reinforcing Wisconsin’s grassroots approach to building its esports ecosystem.
St. Patrick’s Day Kickoff Meet-Up
In celebration of the Summit’s March 17 date, organizers are also hosting a pre-event community meet-up the evening prior in partnership with The New Fashioned as part of the venue’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
The informal gathering provides an opportunity for students, educators, partners, and industry professionals to connect before the main event — blending Milwaukee’s cultural celebrations with the energy of the esports community.
Event Details
Wisconsin Esports Summit 2026
📍 UWM Panther Arena
📅 Tuesday, March 17, 2026
🕛 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
🎉 Official After-Party: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
🌐 Registration: https://26wisconsinesportssummit.rsvpify.com/
About the Wisconsin Esports Summit
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
