GAAM Gladiators was the first Esports focused event from the GAAM team and a group of passionate, local gaming TOs on Saturday May 11th at the Schultz Center in Jacksonville, FL.
Gamers from all over battled in the “Duval Colosseum” for money, respect, and love of games.
We sought to prove that there was enough interest in esports in Jacksonville, for the community to support a major esports event, and definitely succeeded! With community, corporate, and industry support, we were able to produce the biggest esports event to date in the city, with a unique identity that trended online.
Sony and Nintendo supported and dedicated a presence to the event, and many local small businesses that are now pillars in the community (Leaderboard, Darby’s Dungeon, etc) were also heavy supporters and benefited from the production.
In addition to the GAAM official tournaments, the event consisted of a women’s only tournament, community competitions, arcade cabinets and pinball machines, casual game stations, fun selfie spots, delicious food trucks, giveaways and more!
This was an all-ages event for ALL types of people. GAAM Gladiators celebrated positive sportsmanship, high-level competition, friendship, and our love of video games, all while DOING GOOD.
🏅 First major esports event with ASL support
🏅 Biggest esports in event in Jacksonville
🏅 United the Smash Bros, FGC, Shooter, and various other competitive gaming communities under one cause
🏅 Provided free tickets and food for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida
🏅 Promoted diversity and equality with Women’s tournament, an inclusive environment for all races, identities, and backgrounds
🏅 Received support from the gaming industry via companies such as Nintendo, Sony, and Capcom
