Are you an Esports community member, coach, or stakeholder interested in celebrating the ESSEF while sharing in the successes of the past year? Use the link below to register for our most exciting event of the year! It will be the ESSEF Annual Gala at Great Lakes Gaming in Rochester on January 10th. While there you will enjoy five hours of good food, friends, and fun as we gather to celebrate our accomplishments and look to 2026. You can register here.
Here’s a closer look:
The ESSEF Gala is the most anticipated event of the year in New York Esports. By registering, you will experience, first-hand, our unique celebration of scholastic gaming, community growth, and the future of Esports across Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and the entire state! This year’s event will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Organizers have been busy bringing together educators, student leaders, gamers, and supporters for a night of inspiration, connection, and fun — all under one roof at the stunning Great Lakes Gaming Lounge (GLG), perched 22 floors ABOVE downtown Rochester!
What will you see?
- Hear from a powerful lineup of speakers — highlighting the impact of Esports in Rochester, the Finger Lakes Region, and ESSEF’s statewide impact.
- Celebrate outstanding individuals and programs during our awards presentation. We will honor those who are shaping the future of scholastic Esports opportunities across New York State.
- Enjoy a full, delicious meal: roasted rosemary chicken, red-skin potatoes, mac & cheese, fresh field-green salad, warm rolls & butter, and plenty of crowd-pleasing snacks.
- Network, meet new friends, and connect with fellow Esports supporters — educators, students, parents, and gaming enthusiasts.
- GLHF! Learn how to play a new game or learn a new mechanic on one of GLG’s high-end PCs, play on their consoles, or try out a board game. There are also opportunities to learn about streaming, and to entertain with karaoke!
This will be a perfect chance to play, laugh, and build our community. Your ticket purchase supports the mission of the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF) by helping us expand access to scholastic Esports across New York.
Be part of the movement to bring gaming, education, and community together. Get your ticket now and join us for a night of inspiration, celebration, connection, and — of course — games.
Please don’t wait as spaces are limited! Sign up on or before Friday, January 9th so that we are sure of who will be coming. Questions? Reach out to us at [email protected].
See you at the top floor of the lounge in the clouds!