North Carolina Esports Academy recently had the opportunity to participate in the Amateur Esports Association (AEA) All American Nationals Tournament—an exciting, high-level event that brought together some of the best youth esports teams from across the country. Teams competing included AEA league champions as well as top talent from other respected organizations nationwide.
Our own team, Carolina Storm Academy, rose to the challenge and delivered an outstanding performance—finishing as the runner-up in the tournament and ranking as the highest-placing team from the AEA overall. It was a proud moment that reflects the growth and commitment of our players and coaches this season.
A Multi-State Event with Top-Tier Talent
North Carolina Esports Academy was honored to be one of the three official host locations for the tournament, alongside:
- A gaming center in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Scrims Esports Center in Illinois
We were also excited to welcome Alpha Esports & Technology, an organization based in Georgia, to participate from our Cary-based venue. It was a single-day tournament packed with competition, energy, and community—exactly the kind of event that shows what youth esports can and should be.
Why These Events Matter
Events like the AEA All American Nationals are important not just for competition, but for connection. They allow organizations across different leagues and regions to come together without disrupting their regular seasons. This kind of invitational format ensures a high level of play without conflicting with league commitments—something the esports world needs more of.
These tournaments give players a chance to test their skills against unfamiliar opponents and provide a great opportunity for organizations to collaborate, build relationships, and raise the overall standard of youth esports.
Final Thoughts
We’re proud of our team’s performance and even more proud to have been part of an event that prioritized quality competition and community connection. As the youth esports space continues to grow, we hope to see more events like this that focus on collaboration, excellence, and player development.
At North Carolina Esports Academy, this is what we’re all about—elevating youth esports while staying rooted in community and sportsmanship.
