Valhallan to host free VALORANT tournament at UNLV during Cyber Week

Valhallan Esports Training will bring Cyberfest 2026 to UNLV on Oct. 3, offering free VALORANT competition for high school and college students, coached practice sessions, prizes and scholarship opportunities. The event is part of UNLV Cyber Week and is designed to connect esports with college and career pathways.

Why it matters: - Cyberfest gives high school and college students a free entry point into competitive esports on a college campus. - Winning teams can compete for prizes and UNLV scholarship opportunities. - The event also connects students and families with admissions, cybersecurity and career resources.

What happened: - Valhallan Esports Training is hosting the second annual Valhallan Cyberfest 2026 on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. - The tournament takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the BEH Atrium at Frank & Estella Beam Hall on the UNLV campus in Las Vegas. - Admission is free for players and spectators. - The event is part of UNLV Cyber Week, which runs Sept. 28 through Oct. 3.

The details: - Cyberfest will feature two 5v5, single-elimination VALORANT divisions. - The high school bracket has 16 team slots. - The collegiate bracket has 8 team slots and is co-hosted by UNLV Rebel Gaming. - Students can register as full teams or as solo players. - Solo players can be placed onto teams by organizers. - Registration closes Friday, Sept. 25. - Tournament brackets will be revealed Monday, Sept. 28. - Free coached 5v5 practice scrimmages are scheduled for Saturdays, Sept. 19 and Sept. 26. - The practice sessions will be held at Valhallan Esports Training’s Las Vegas facility at 500 E. Windmill Lane, Suite 100. - The event will include free-play gaming stations, a vendor expo and a College & Career Row. - College & Career Row will include representatives from UNLV admissions, cybersecurity programs, and military and veteran organizations. - Casted finals are set to begin at about 3:30 p.m. on the LED main stage. - Players and attendees can receive gaming-related prizes and giveaways, including keyboards, headsets, headphones, gaming accessories and other equipment.

Between the lines: - Valhallan is packaging the tournament as both a competition and a recruitment-style campus event. - The solo-player registration option lowers the barrier for students who do not already have a team. - The UNLV setting and scholarship tie-in give the event a stronger education and workforce angle than a typical esports bracket. - Valhallan CEO and Owner Morris Jackson said the goal is to give young gamers a place to compete, improve and see where esports can take them.

What's next: - Interested students can register at Cyberfest registration. - Organizers expect bracket announcements on Sept. 28 after registration closes. - The free practice scrimmages give players a chance to prepare before tournament day. - Valhallan says the tournament is limited to 16 high school teams and 8 collegiate teams, so early registration is encouraged.

The bottom line: - Cyberfest 2026 is built as a free, campus-based esports event that blends competition, coaching and college access for Nevada students and families.