MORE INFO ON THE SMASH BROS TOURNAMENT

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (January 21, 2026) -- The Unified Esports League (UESL) will host a world-first Super Smash Grand Championship for individuals with special needs on February 21 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Bornemann Theatre located on the TERI Campus for Life in San Marcos.

The inaugural championship will bring together 24 finalists from UESL’s six San Diego County and Imperial County locations to compete for a team trophy, as well as individual first-, second-, and third-place individual recognition. Participants are currently preparing to earn the title of Unified Esports League Grand Champion.

UESL and TERI both serve people with disabilities through inclusive, skill-building programs. TERI currently hosts UESL’s Technology Center in San Marcos, supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through hands-on technology and gaming experiences.

“The Bornemann Theatre at TERI Campus of Life is the perfect location for this inaugural event,” says UESL Founder and CEO Matthew Iske. “Our goal is to create opportunities where players with IDD can be part of a team, building friendships and learning through positive gaming experiences.”

The Bornemann Theatre is both a public live entertainment venue and the performing arts center for TERI program participants with autism and other developmental disabilities.

UESL is a San Diego based organization that provides its Technology Education Program to help those with special needs develop skills through their passion for technology. UESL programs operate during after-school hours, five days a week at its various locations in San Diego and Imperial Counties. UESL opened its doors in 2023 after several years of planning and developing its curriculum.

“This program not only teaches players the values of being on a team but serves as an opportunity to make friends while learning about new technologies in the video game and tech industries,” adds Iske.

At the event, there will be light refreshments hosted on the patio next to The Bornemann Theatre entrance, beginning at 2:00 p.m. for guests as they arrive. Live Super Smash characters will be present and available to have pictures taken as well. The Grand Championship competition begins at 3:00 p.m.