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The Penny Games

2026 HBCU DEBATE+ ESPORTS INVITATIONAL

The Penny Games is a national HBCU invitational designed to connect top student talent with employers, industries, and civic leaders shaping the future of work.

  • September 29 – October 2, 2026
  • Birmingham, AL
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2025 PENNY GAMES

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The Penny Games

AT A GLANCE

The Penny Games is the only national HBCU invitational that brings together debate, esports, business strategy, and cybersecurity competition while connecting student leaders with employers, industries, and institutions shaping the future of work.
 
In 2025, 11 HBCUs from 7 states participated. Birmingham City Schools enrolled 73 students in college-prep debate programs, with 100% retention through Year 2. The tournament connects talent to opportunity and positions Birmingham as a serious destination for Black academic competition.

HBCU DEBATE CLASSIC

Parliamentary-style competition hosted in Birmingham City Schools, culminating in a championship final. Students research policy questions, argue in timed rounds, and respond to live rebuttals from opposing teams.

Esports Invitational

Team-based competition with live streaming and structured brackets. Students compete in a professional environment while building collaboration, strategy, and digital production experience.

Business Case Competition

Students analyze real civic or corporate challenges and present recommendations to executives and city leaders. Judges evaluate clarity, feasibility, and financial reasoning.

Cybersecurity – Capture the Flag

Hands-on technical challenge where students identify vulnerabilities and defend simulated systems. Designed to introduce pathways into cybersecurity and STEM careers.

College & Career Fair

Employers conduct interviews, share internship pathways, and connect with students before senior-year recruiting cycles.

HBCU Teams Register

WHAT TO EXPECT

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Registered Attendees

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Local High School Students

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HBCU Debate Teams

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Prize Pool

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Employers & Partners

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Sessions, Rounds & Activations

JOIN US

Schedule, Run of Show & TIckets

  • DATE TBA
  • 4:00PM - 7:00PM

Welcome Reception

Citywide kickoff with music, mixers, and special guests.

Invitation Only

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  • DATE TBA
  • 9:00AM - 2:00PM

Preliminary Debate Rounds

Local High Schools (Debate)
Parliamentary format; 16 HBCU teams compete across multiple rooms.

LOCATION TBA

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  • DATE TBA
  • 9:00AM - 2:00PM

ESports Heats

Esports heat

LOCATION TBA

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  • DATE TBA
  • 4:00PM – 8:00 PM

Esports Championship

Live play-by-play with caster desk; spectators welcome.

LOCATION TBA

get tickets
player registration
ADD TO CALENDAR
  • DATE TBA
  • 4:00PM – 8:00 PM

College & Career Fair

Meet colleges; connect across 37 bays.

LOCATION TBA

Corporate Bay
Activation Booth
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  • DATE TBA
  • 8:00AM – 10:00 AM

Final Debate Breakfast (ticketed)

Final Debate

LOCATION TBA

individual tickets
purchase a table
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  • DATE TBA
  • Evening

Finals + Awards (streamed)

Finals + Awards

LOCATION TBA

watch
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SPONSORS & PARTNERS

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Thank you to our official sponsors and partners!  For more information on how you can become a sponsor or partner email us at hbcu@pennyfoundation.org

The penny games

understanding our mission

Lyord Watson jr.
    Lyord Watson jr.

    Founder & CEO

    “The Penny Games is an exciting initiative—it’s a win-win for everyone involved. College students have the opportunity to compete in their respective fields. High school students will be exposed to colleges. The Birmingham metro area can connect with and recruit talent for our job markets. The City of Birmingham has the opportunity to share our story. We view The Penny Games as a necessary and needed investment in our city.”

    Cxmmunity
      Cxmmunity

      Sponsor/Partner

      “At Cxmmunity, we see esports as a gateway to the broader innovation economy. Partnering with The Penny Foundation gives HBCU students a real-time stage to turn gaming aptitude into career-ready skills, and that alignment is exactly what excites us.”

      Our Blog

      News & Updates

      News, special announcement, press releases and more. 

      FAQs

      Frequently Asked Questions

      September 30 to October 3, 2026.

      Events take place across Birmingham, Alabama.
       
      • Debate preliminary rounds: Birmingham City Schools
      • Debate finals, Business Case, and Capture the Flag: BJCC
      • Esports: Miles College and Topgolf
      • Cultural programming and leadership events: select downtown venues
       
      Final venue confirmations and logistics will be shared with registered teams and ticket holders.
      Tickets for the Championship Finals and College and Career Expo will be available for public purchase in Summer 2026.
      Sponsors and partners receive reserved seating and VIP access.
      Ticket information will be posted on pennygames.com.
      Yes. We are seeking:
      • Debate judges
      • Esports volunteers
      • Career Expo volunteers
      • Event operations support
       
      Volunteer applications will open Summer 2026.

      The Penny Foundation connects people, organizations and Resources To Drive Meaningful Change.

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      Contact Us

      Our Email

      hbcu@pennyfoundation.org

      Our Phone

      (205) 530-2238

      Support Us

      Our Email

      hbcu@pennyfoundation.org

      GET TICKETS
      DONATE HERE

      The Penny Foundation Inc. 

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