UK hosts esports summer programming to engage youth, students, Lexington community
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 14, 2025) — This summer, the University of Kentucky will host an exciting slate of summer esports programming aimed at expanding opportunities for youth, students and the broader Kentucky community. From hands-on youth camps to competitive collegiate showcases, UK is cementing its place as a regional hub for esports innovation, education and community development.
This summer’s esports offerings include two flagship events:
Esports Summer Camp
Geared toward young gamers aged 8-12, the UK Smart Campus “Intro to Esports” Summer Camp offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends fun and learning through competitive gaming. Running across three weeks, campers will explore esports fundamentals, develop leadership and teamwork skills and interact with state-of-the-art technology in a supportive, inclusive environment.
With programming led by experienced coaches and esports educators, each session fosters a balance of healthy competition, creative thinking and digital citizenship. Whether a child is just beginning their gaming journey or looking to take it to the next level, this camp offers a rewarding gateway into the dynamic world of esports.
Camp dates include June 2-6, June 23- 27 and July 14-18.
Pricing per week:
- UK families: $399
- Public: $429
Registration is open now and spots are limited. Families can sign up for individual weeks or the full summer series. Register here.
Gen.G Campus Takeover @ UK
Returning this year with an all-new format, the Gen.G Campus Takeover @ UK will take place on Saturday, May 17, bringing live competition, professional insight and community connection to campus. This free, public event is a celebration of esports at all levels — from amateur players to industry professionals.
Highlights of the day include:
- Showmatches from the Gen.G Mobil1 Racing Rocket League team, UKY Esports athletes and surprise guests
- Live Q&A sessions with pro players
- Meet-and-greets and photo ops with esports pros
- Industry panels, networking mixers and educational discussions
Schedule:
- 9 a.m. – free breakfast
- 10 a.m. – Gen.G Mobil1 Racing Showmatches
- 11 a.m. – pro player Q&A
- Noon – meet-and-greets and photo ops
- 1 p.m. – lunch
- 2 p.m. – industry showmatches (TBA)
- 3 p.m. – industry Q&A panel
- 4 p.m. – UKY Esports showmatches
- 5 p.m. – networking mixer (off-site)
For updates and attendance information, visit the event website.
The collaboration between the University of Kentucky and Gen.G reflects a shared vision for growing esports as both an academic discipline and a cultural force. Since 2020, the partnership has provided UK students access to industry mentorship, global competition opportunities and pathways into esports-related careers.
For people who are young gamers, current students, aspiring professionals or just esports-curious, this summer at UK is packed with opportunities to connect, compete and grow.
About Gen.G
Gen.G is a global esports organization connecting the best gamers in the U.S. and Asia. With a strong focus on education, youth development and inclusion, Gen.G builds the future of esports through strategic partnerships with universities, schools and communities.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.