A1 Student eChallenge Returns – Time to Sign Up!

S7 is here!

Student esports scene is back in the spotlight as the A1 Student eChallenge returns with its seventh season. Competition officially kicks off on May 2, 2026, bringing together top university teams from across Croatia.

Season 7 will feature Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Rocket League, and VALORANT, with a total prize pool of over 4000€. New season will once more give players a chance to compete and showcase their skills.

Read on to find more information about each game, including prize pools, tournament formats, key dates, and how to sign up.

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2 tournament will be played from May 23 to May 31, featuring a multi-stage format and a prize pool of 1125€. It all begins with two open qualifiers (May 23-24). Teams will battle through a single-elimination bracket, with BO1 matches and a BO3 decider. In the end, the top four teams from each qualifier secure their spot in the next phase.

Next up is the group stage (May 28–29). Here, two groups of four teams compete in a round robin BO1 format. Only the top two teams from each group will move forward.

From there, the competition heads into the final stage (May 30–31). This phase is played in a single-elimination BO3 format, where the champion will be decided.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on UNIST, the defending champions. Last season, they managed to break FOI’s four-season winning streak and take the title. Now, the big question is – can they stay on top, or will a new contender take their place?

Clutch or KickClutch or Kick

VALORANT

VALORANT tournament will run from May 9 to May 17, marking its debut in the A1 Student eChallenge, with a prize pool of 1125€. To begin with, teams will compete in two open qualifiers (May 9-10). The format is single elimination, with BO1 matches and a BO3 decider. From each qualifier, the top four teams move forward.

After that, the group stage (May 14-15) takes place. Here, two groups of four teams will face off in a round robin BO1 format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the next stage.

Finally, the tournament concludes with the playoffs (May 16-17). This stage uses a single-elimination BO3 format. In the end, one team will be crowned the first-ever A1SeC VALORANT champion.

Plant the SpikePlant the Spike

League of Legends

League of Legends tournament will take place from May 16 to May 24, marking its first appearance in the A1 Student eChallenge, with a prize pool of 1125€. To kick things off, teams will compete in open qualifiers (May 16-17). The format is single elimination, featuring BO1 matches and a BO3 decider, with the top teams advancing.

Following that, the group stage (May 21-22) comes into play. Teams will be split into two groups of four, competing in a round robin BO1 format. From there, the top two teams in each group will secure a place in the next stage.

In the final stretch, the tournament moves to the playoffs (May 23-24). This stage is played in a single-elimination BO3 format, where the first-ever A1SeC League of Legends champions will be crowned.

Conquer the RiftConquer the Rift

Rocket League

Rocket League tournament kicks off the season, running from May 2 to May 10, with a prize pool of €675. To begin, teams compete in open qualifiers (May 2-3). They play a single-elimination format, with BO3 matches and a BO5 decider, while the top teams secure their spot in the next stage.

Next, the action moves to the group stage (May 8-9). Here, teams split into two groups of four and play a round robin format in BO5 matches. As a result, only the top two teams from each group advance.

Finally, the tournament reaches its climax on May 10. The final stage features a double-elimination bracket, with BO5 matches and a BO7 grand final deciding the champion.

At the same time, FER enter as the undefeated reigning champions. Their dominance sets the standard. Can anyone stop them?

Score the GoalScore the Goal

With Season 7 just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you’re competing with friends or looking to prove yourself, A1 Student eChallenge offers a platform for every student gamer. Sign up, join the competition, and be part of the action.

For all additional information, make sure to join our official Discord server, where you can get updates, ask questions, and connect with other players. Also, don’t forget to check out the rulebook to stay informed and ready before the matches begin.

OFFICIAL RULEBOOKOFFICIAL RULEBOOK

A1 Student eChallenge Returns – Time to Sign Up!