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The partnership aims to provide women gamers with competition and content that celebrates high achievement, inclusivity, and positive play 

STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Xbox, ESPORTSU, and Paidia Gaming announced their partnership which will continue their ongoing commitment to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in gaming. This activation includes three gaming events designed to spotlight collegiate women gamers, concluding at the Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) Texas this May. The activations will showcase women competing on a national level and includes two content series.  

The top national collegiate women players across the continent will compete in a specially created women’s qualifying VALORANT event, with the winner punching a ticket to CECC Texas on May 6-7, 2023 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. Collegiate women from all over North America are eligible to compete in the all-women’s qualifying tournament being held on paidiagaming.com.

Additionally, Xbox, ESPORTSU and Paidia have partnered to launch The Paidia Cup: Women’s VALORANT Matchmaking Season. From February to May, women gamers from across North America will compete, with one matchup to be aired live weekly on ESPORTSU’s Twitch channel. The top two teams will receive invitations to compete in a showmatch at CECC Texas and the winner will be crowned the inaugural Paidia Cup champion. The Paidia Cup spotlights up-and-coming women gamers and highlights the future of women in VALORANT.   

“We are thrilled to partner with Xbox and Paidia on this important and ground-breaking new initiative.” said Jim Connelly, Chief Revenue Officer for CSMG/ESPORTSU. “Together, we will continue to push the boundaries to open doors and make the esports gaming space more inclusive, by shining the spotlight on the incredible talents and skills of women gamers.”  

Throughout the course of the tournament, Xbox, ESPORTSU and Paidia will integrate custom content to highlight these teams as they prepare for CECC Texas. The content series will include 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 can be mentored by industry leaders and 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. 

“At Paidia our mission is to provide an inclusive and safe place for women and diverse gamers to connect, learn and play,” says Jill Kenney, CEO for Paidia Gaming. “Initiatives like this one are paramount to closing the equity gap that has dominated our industry for decades. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Xbox and ESPORTSU to create a series of events and content that celebrates women gamers and the power of positive play.”   

“At Xbox, we believe that gaming is for everyone, and should be ‘Inclusive of all’ and ‘Accessible to all’. Paidia and ESPORTSU share these same values, which is why this collaboration is such a natural fit,” said Katie Schroeder, US Xbox Marketing.  ”We are proud to be working alongside Paidia and ESPORTSU in their efforts to create an inclusive online gaming community and to empower gamers around the world to do more of what they love – connect to their community through games.” 

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. 

SOURCE ESPORTSU