Top All-Women Collegiate Teams Set to Clash in Paidia Cup CECC Qualifier Presented by Xbox

Mar 7

Winner will punch a ticket to be the first all-women’s team to compete for a title at CECC Texas

STAMFORD, CT (March 8, 2023) – Xbox, ESPORTSU, and Paidia Gaming revealed the top ten all-women collegiate teams who will be competing in VALORANT during the Paidia Cup CECC Qualifier on March 11-12, 2023. Fans can watch the action on ESPORTSU’s Twitch channel. The winner will punch a ticket to be the first all-women’s team to compete for the VALORANT title during the Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) Texas on May 5-7 at the Esports Stadium Arlington. CECC Texas is the largest multi-conference gathering of collegiate esports programs across North America and hosts over 64 teams across various game titles.

The participating teams include:

Carleton University FE
St John’s University – Scarlet Tempest White
The Ohio State University
University of California-San Diego Navy
University of Houston Scarlet
University of Michigan Pink
University of South Florida Sand
University of Missouri
Rutgers
Kutztown University

“The response to this program has been overwhelming as we work collaboratively to provide a supportive and inclusive platform for women gamers to pursue their passion and close the equity gap that has dominated the industry for decades,” says Jill Kenney, CEO of Paidia Gaming. “We can’t wait to watch these players compete this weekend to earn their spot at CECC Texas and ultimately have a shot to win the VALORANT title nationally.”

In addition to the Paidia Cup CECC Qualifier, the Paidia Cup: Women’s VALORANT Matchmaking Season is currently underway through May. Women gamers from across North America are competing (one matchup to be aired live weekly on ESPORTSU’s Twitch channel), with the top two teams receiving invitations to compete in a showmatch at CECC Texas. The Paidia Cup spotlights up-and-coming women gamers and highlights the future of women in VALORANT.

Xbox, ESPORTSU, and Paidia are also creating custom content to highlight these teams as they prepare for CECC Texas. The content series includes support from elite college coaches dubbed the “Road to CECC,” as well as “Cast This,” a content series to find and develop new shoutcasting talent. Women interested in a career in shoutcasting are mentored by industry leaders to develop their skills working towards their debut as a shoutcaster at CECC Texas. These events and content pieces aim to disrupt the industry, making gaming inviting, entertaining, and engaging while fostering positive social connections.

“Gaming is indeed for everyone, so we remain focused on making the esports gaming space more inclusive,” said Jim Connelly, Chief Revenue Officer for CSMG/ESPORTSU. “We truly value our partners at Paidia and Xbox to bring this program to its fruition and celebrate the talents and skills of women gamers.”

About CECC Texas

Held on May 5-7, 2023, CECC Texas welcomes teams from multiple conferences and divisions to compete in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, and VALORANT during the “May Madness” of collegiate esports. The weekend festival-like atmosphere is more than just a competition. The best esports athletes and fans will enjoy various activities, including a Vendor Village, Career Fair, Partner Activations, Cosplay Costume Contests, Esports Celebrity Meet & Greets, and a Technology Expo. For more information, visit: https://collegiatesmg.com/cecc/

About Paidia Gaming

Paidia is a women-led gaming, tech, and media company that has created an inclusive gaming community that empowers diverse gamers to safely connect, learn and play. Founded and supported by women, Paidia is led by industry experts who are motivated to provide sophisticated solutions that encourage positive voices within the gaming community. The fully-integrated portal delivers a secure environment for gamers in search of a supportive, inclusive, and kind community. It features media and content experiences, tournaments and gameplay, rewards, and prizing, as well as the opportunity to engage with like-minded gamers. Visit www.paidiagaming.com.

Media Contact:

CSMG@dkcnews.com