UNIFIED Super Smash Championship: Building Confidence + Community On + Off the Stage
On Friday, February 21, 2026, the Bornemann Theater at the TERI Campus of Life in San Marcos will transform into something truly special: a roaring, joy-filled arena where our UNIFIED gamers take the main stage for the UNIFIED Super Smash Championship.
For many of our gamers, this isn’t “just a tournament.” It’s a milestone moment. It’s the first time they’ll compete in a full theater, cheered on by friends, family, coaches, and community partners who see them, support them, and celebrate how far they’ve come.
And for their families, it’s a powerful reminder that their children’s passion for video games is not a barrier to growth — it’s a bridge to friendship, confidence, and new possibilities.
LOCATION: Bornemann Theater, TERI Campus of Life
555 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, CA 92069 (The Bornemann)
What Is the UNIFIED Super Smash Championship?
The UNIFIED Super Smash Championship is a league-wide event that brings together teams from across the Unified Esports League (UESL) for a live, in-person Super Smash Bros. tournament.
Our IDD + special needs gamers have been practicing for months in our UNIFIED technology centers, supported by compassionate, IDD-trained coaches. On February 21, many of them will step into the spotlight in a professional-grade theater with stadium seating, lighting, and sound — the same Bornemann Theater that regularly hosts concerts, theatrical productions, and inclusive community events at the TERI Campus of Life.
At its heart, this championship is about more than who wins a match. It’s about:
Showing gamers what they’re capable of when they commit to a goal
Giving families the gift of seeing their children shine in a public, affirming space
Demonstrating what inclusive esports can look like when it’s intentionally designed for the IDD community
Why This Championship Matters for IDD Gamers + Their Families
For many families navigating intellectual + developmental disabilities (IDD), community spaces can feel limited, overwhelming, or inaccessible. Traditional sports or social environments don’t always fit the needs, interests, or sensory profiles of their children.
Esports changes that.
Research shows that well-designed game-based interventions can improve social skills, social behaviors, cognition, communication, and emotional regulation for autistic children and adolescents. Studies also highlight how gaming can support emotional well-being, reduce social isolation, and create new pathways for connection among people with disabilities when used in a balanced, intentional way.
UESL has seen this first-hand in our programs. We’ve shared how video games can help IDD gamers practice attention, perception, and social skills, and how esports provides a structured, motivating environment where teamwork and communication are built naturally through play.
For our families, the championship means:
A chance to witness real, measurable growth — in communication, resilience, emotional regulation, and teamwork
A dedicated space where their child’s special interest (gaming) is welcomed, respected, and celebrated
A supportive community of other families, coaches, and partners who “get it”
The Power of Video Games for Social + Emotional Growth
Around the world, professionals are using games and gamified tools to help neurodivergent youth and individuals with disabilities build social and emotional skills in ways that feel natural instead of clinical. Reviews of serious games and gamified interventions have found positive effects on social interaction, communication, and emotional understanding among autistic individuals.
Other studies and real-world programs have shown that:
Game-based social skills groups can help participants practice conversation, turn-taking, cooperation, and emotional expression in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Video games can provide a social space where young people with disabilities connect with peers at their own pace, helping them reduce feelings of isolation and build confidence before translating those skills into in-person interactions.
UESL’s mission is to take this growing body of research and translate it into a structured, real-world program:
1:3 coach-to-client ratio
IDD-trained staff
Intentional use of games to practice communication, teamwork, focus, emotional regulation, and problem-solving
Health + wellness breaks to support a “Healthy Body + Healthy Mind = Good Gamer” philosophy
The UNIFIED Super Smash Championship is where all of that work comes together in one powerful, celebratory night.
SO WHAT IS SUPER SMASH BRO. + WHY IS IT A UNIFIED FAVORITE?
Super Smash Bros. is a fast-paced “platform fighter” — a type of fighting game where the goal is to knock your opponent off a stage made of platforms, rather than simply reducing a health bar.
Here’s what makes Super Smash Bros. such a perfect fit for UNIFIED:
Iconic Characters + Accessible Fun
Smash brings together beloved characters from across Nintendo and other franchises — think Mario, Pikachu, Link, Kirby, Donkey Kong, and many more. For many of our gamers, these characters have been part of their lives since childhood, which makes learning the game exciting and familiar.Easy to Start, Deep to Master
Players typically use a combination of directional inputs and attack/special buttons to move, jump, dodge, and execute unique character moves. At its core, the goal is simple: rack up damage on your opponent (their % number rises as they’re hit) and launch them off the stage. Higher percentages mean opponents are knocked back farther, making them easier to KO.This blend of simplicity and depth means:
New players can have fun quickly
Experienced players can dig into strategy, timing, and advanced techniques
Built-In Teamwork Opportunities
Super Smash Bros. can be played in 1 vs 1, free-for-all, or team modes. In team battles, gamers learn to:Communicate with their partner
Call out plays (“I’ll focus on this side,” “You cover the edge,” “Watch out for that special move”)
Celebrate wins and process losses together
Structured, Coachable Gameplay
Because Smash has clear rules, match timers, and repeatable rounds, our coaches can easily:Set goals (“Let’s practice staying calm after a big hit,” “Let’s work on cheering for teammates”)
Provide feedback between matches
Help gamers notice patterns, adapt strategies, and reflect on their emotions
All of this is why Super Smash Bros. is a UNIFIED favorite: it’s fun, colorful, competitive, and uniquely powerful as a team-building and social-skills tool.
Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the Big Night
In the weeks leading up to February 21, our centers are buzzing:
Coaches are hosting focused Super Smash practice sessions, helping gamers refine their characters, strategies, and communication habits.
Gamers are learning what it means to be good teammates — showing up on time, listening to coaches, supporting peers, and practicing good sportsmanship in wins and losses.
Staff are coordinating brackets, accessibility needs, and event logistics to make sure things run smoothly and feel welcoming for everyone.
TERI Campus of Life and UESL continue their partnership to use this beautiful, inclusive campus as a hub for community connection and lifelong learning for individuals with special needs.
Every detail — from check-in to match schedules to awards — is planned with our IDD community at the center.
What Families Can Expect on Event Day
When you arrive at the Bornemann Theater, you can expect:
A welcoming, family-friendly environment
Clear signage and staff support to help you find seats and settle in
Opportunities to cheer on your gamer and their teammates
A community of other families who understand the journey you’re on
Our goal is for every gamer to feel:
Seen for their effort, not just the final score
Supported by coaches, staff, and peers
Proud of their growth — whether it’s their first tournament or their tenth
For families, we hope it’s a night of joy, pride, and connection — a moment to pause and say, “Look how far they’ve come.”
RSVP: Help Us Plan the Best Experience for Your Gamer
To help us plan seating, accessibility, and accommodations, we’re asking all families to RSVP in advance.
If you’re new to UESL or exploring our program for the first time, this event is also a great opportunity to:
See IDD-focused esports in action
Meet our coaches + leadership
Talk with other families already enrolled in our San Diego + Imperial County arenas, including our San Marcos location at TERI Campus of Life.
A Championship That’s About More Than a Trophy
Yes, we’ll have brackets, winners, and unforgettable matches. But for us, the UNIFIED Super Smash Championship is about something bigger:
It’s about taking the research on game-based learning and turning it into real smiles, real friendships, and real growth for IDD gamers.
It’s about giving families a night where their child’s passion is not just accepted, but celebrated on a stage built for them.
It’s about showing our community what’s possible when technology, inclusive design, and heart-centered coaching come together.
We can’t wait to fill the Bornemann Theater with cheers, laughter, and the sound of controllers clicking as UNIFIED gamers step into the spotlight they deserve.
We’ll see you — and your gamer — on February 21st!
