Thailand University Esports Championship Kicks Off !! More than 100 teams from 38 institutions showcase the strength of university esports
Posted by July 6, 2026 in ACTIVITYTOURNAMENT
Ms. Waraporn Rungtrakan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), joined the opening ceremony of the Thailand University Esports Championship, the first Thailand National University Esports Championship. The ceremony was also attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pensri Charoenwanich, Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation at Khon Kaen University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Suksuwan, Chair of the Organizing Committee; Mr. Santi Lothong, President of the Asian Electronic Sports Federation and the Esports Association of Thailand; and Mr. Itthศักดิ์ Srisantisuk, True Corporation’s regional executive for the Northeast.
The opening took place on July 6 at KKU NEXUS ARENA, the university’s Physical Education Building.
Ms. Waraporn said esports is more than gaming: it is a sport recognized around the world that demands skill, strategic thinking, planning, and mental development. Esports can also drive a high-value global industry, aligning with MHESI’s policy of helping university students develop future-ready skills through a range of activities, including sports. She thanked everyone involved in organizing the tournament and creating a platform for young people to express themselves.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pensri welcomed athletes from 38 universities across Thailand. Khon Kaen University, she said, has consistently promoted sports activities for its students and believes sports can help people succeed in many areas of life. She said the university was excited to host the event and hoped that athletes and everyone involved would leave after the five-day tournament with happy memories.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai said this is the first esports competition to receive official recognition from MHESI. Esports had previously been included as a sport in ministry events, where it became clear that it was highly popular among university students. He said the tournament could mark a new chapter for esports and MHESI and be remembered by future generations of students.
Mr. Santi said he had seen the commitment of the organizers and administrators working to make the tournament happen, and that the Esports Association of Thailand was glad to support them. He also praised the strength of Khon Kaen’s local esports community. He added that official recognition from the ministry gives the event particular significance for the association and the esports community. Addressing the student athletes, he encouraged them to give their best and respect their opponents by playing fairly.
Mr. Itthisak of True Corporation said the partnership goes beyond organizing a sports competition. It helps students use their free time productively, develop their skills, and potentially earn prize money that can support their education. True is supporting the event in several ways, including providing athletes with internet SIM cards, supplying True 5G and True Fiber network services, livestreaming matches on TrueID, and promoting the tournament through its channels. He said True sees esports as a way to help create future career opportunities for students.
The Thailand University Esports Championship, or the first Thailand National University Esports Championship, runs from July 6–10, 2026. More than 350 athletes from over 100 teams representing 38 universities are competing in three games: RoV, FC Online, and Street Fighter. The total prize pool is 500,000 baht.
Admission is free at KKU NEXUS ARENA, Khon Kaen University’s Physical Education Building. Matches are also livestreamed on the Khon Kaen University Sports Division Facebook page and the TESF YouTube channel.
