The milestone event marks the official opening of the KKU NEXUS ARENA and establishes a collaborative national framework to drive the digital economy through collegiate esports development.
Khon Kaen University (KKU) has hosted the grand finals of the 1st Thailand University Esports Championship, marking the formal opening of the KKU NEXUS ARENA. The landmark event brought together public sectors, higher education institutions, sports associations, and private partners. Together, they declared a unified commitment to positioning collegiate esports as a platform for cultivating future-ready skills, nurturing high-quality talent, and driving the nation’s digital industry.
The tournament’s opening ceremony was held on Monday, 6 July 2026, at the KKU NEXUS ARENA, located within the University Gymnasium. Ms. Waraporn Rungtrakarn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), presided over the official opening. The ceremony drew university executives, student-athletes, and network partners from across the country.
Ms. Waraporn Rungtrakarn stated that esports is an internationally recognised sport and a high-growth industry. It aligns with the Ministry’s policy to develop students’ future skills, including creativity, teamwork, and global competitiveness. She commended Khon Kaen University and the organising committee for pioneering the country’s first university-level championship. She also encouraged all competitors to uphold sportsmanship, integrity, and discipline, making the most of the platform for self-development before declaring the championship officially open.
Speaking on behalf of the KKU President, Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialisation, welcomed the attendees. She expressed the university’s pride in being entrusted by MHESI to host this historic event. She emphasised that the championship serves not only as a competitive arena for esports but also as a space for building 21st-century skills, such as digital literacy, communication, teamwork, creativity, and strategic decision-making. She also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to integrating knowledge, technology, innovation, and sports to provide students with opportunities to become highly capable professionals for the nation and elevate Thai esports to international standards.
Associate Professor Charnchai Suksuwan, Ph.D., Chairman of the Organising Committee, noted that the championship grew from a shared determination to establish a national stage for higher education students across the country to showcase their capabilities. The committee sets out to establish esports as a legitimate professional sport and an industry of the future. Its operations follow core principles that include equal access, transparency in line with international standards, student-athlete health and well-being, the promotion of ethics and morality, and the sustainable development of the collegiate esports ecosystem. He voiced confidence that this tournament will serve as a crucial turning point for Thai university esports and inspire the younger generation.
Mr. Santi Lothong, President of both the Asian Electronic Sports Federation and the Thailand Esports Federation (TESF), pledged the federation’s full support for the competition. This includes international-standard regulations, certified referees, tournament equipment, knowledge sharing, and regional network building — all aimed at propelling Thai students onto the international stage. The tournament also opens pathways for youth to pursue careers across the esports industry value chain—as athletes, coaches, team managers, shoutcasters, and supporting personnel. He reiterated that university-level competition underpins the sustainable development of the Thai esports industry.
Mr. Itthasak Srisantisuk, an executive from True Corporation Public Company Limited, underscored the company’s commitment to supporting digital infrastructure for education and esports. True Corporation has provided high-speed internet networks, backup communication systems, SIM cards, and broadcasting infrastructure to keep the tournament running smoothly. He confirmed that True will continue to drive the Thai esports ecosystem on every front in collaboration with all stakeholders to build the country’s digital future.
The finals of the 1st Thailand University Esports Championship run at the KKU NEXUS ARENA from 6 to 10 July 2026. The opening ceremony and final rounds showcase faculty members, coaches, and student-athletes from 38 institutions. These finalists emerged from regional qualifiers spanning 48 higher education institutions and 125 teams across five regions. The grand finals comprise 32 teams in the Arena of Valor (RoV) Men’s division, 24 teams in the RoV Women’s division, 32 players in FC Online, and 11 players in Street Fighter 6.
This championship stands as a significant step forward for cross-sector collaboration to elevate the standards of Thai esports. It offers students professional development opportunities while strengthening the nation’s future digital workforce. Esports enthusiasts are invited to cheer on the athletes at the venue or follow live broadcasts on
the Khon Kaen University Sports Program Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/228848633900844/user/100068892562716/
News: Benjamaporn Mamook
Information / Photos: Sport Division
