Midland College to Host First Tournament in New Chaps Esports Arena with Blue Santa Holiday Toy DriveNovember 24, 2025

Midland College’s newly opened Chaps Esports Arena is set to host its first special event, the MC North Pole Brawl, on Saturday, Dec. 6, a festive esports tournament combined with a Blue Santa Toy Drive to benefit Midland children in need.

The December event will feature Brawlhalla on PC and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch in singles (1v1) double-elimination tournaments. Participation in each tournament requires one unopened toy per event, which will be collected for the Midland Police Department’s Blue Santa Toy Drive. 

Blue Santa partners with local businesses to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in Midland whose families may not otherwise be able to provide gifts during the holiday season. This is a unique opportunity for players to game for a cause while helping bring joy to children in the community.

Doors open at 12:00 PM for free play and check-in, with the Brawlhalla Singles tournament beginning at 2 p.m. and Smash Ultimate Singles at 4 p.m.. Additional tournaments, including Smash Redemption and a Mystery Bracket, will kick off at 6 p.m. if participation thresholds are met. Players must bring their own controllers and link cables. 

Prizes will be awarded to top finishers in all tournaments. Players can preregister online to secure their spot.

“Opening our Chaps Esports Arena is a milestone for Midland College, and we’re thrilled to kick it off with a tournament that combines gaming, community, and giving back,” said Dr. Andrew Latham, Advisor of the MC Gaming Club. “The MC North Pole Brawl is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays while supporting the Blue Santa Toy Drive and engaging our local esports community.”

The Chaps Esports Arena represents a growing recognition of esports as a mainstream pathway for student involvement and a dynamic avenue for building digital skills, teamwork, and community. With the support of the Midland College Foundation and dedicated staff across campus, Midland College continues to strengthen its commitment to providing innovative spaces that help students succeed both in and out of the classroom.

For more information about Midland College Esports, visit midland.edu/esports.