The Esports Awards has announced The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County as the official venue for its 2026 ceremony.
Scheduled to take place in downtown Miami on 17 November 2026, the annual industry gala, formally titled the Esports Awards Presented by Thunderpick, will gather professional players, commercial executives, content creators, and publishers to celebrate global achievements across the gaming sector.
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Located in central Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center stands as one of the largest performing arts facilities in the United States, typically hosting touring Broadway productions, classical performances, and regional theatre. For its 2026 edition, the venue will host the primary awards gala alongside a multi-day itinerary of secondary industry events, including the PWR UP B2B Conference, the Lifetime Achievement Mixer, and the Esports Awards Invitational.
Commenting on the venue selection, Michael Ashford, Chief Executive Officer of the Esports Awards, stated: “We’re thrilled to bring the Esports Awards to the Adrienne Arsht Center this November. Miami provides an exciting setting to bring our global community together, and we look forward to recognising the players, teams, creators and industry figures who have shaped the past year in esports.”
Johann Zietsman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Adrienne Arsht Center, added: “We’re delighted to welcome the Esports Awards to the Adrienne Arsht Center. The ceremony brings together a global community to celebrate talent, creativity and achievement, and we look forward to hosting the people who are shaping esports and gaming.”
The venue announcement follows the recent expansion of the event’s commercial partner portfolio. Esports betting platform Thunderpick secured a 12-month commercial agreement through 2027 as Presenting Partner and Official iGaming Partner. Simultaneously, digital media company Hotspawn signed as the Presenting Partner for the PWR UP B2B Conference, the Lifetime Achievement Mixer, and the Esports Awards Invitational, while acting as an official media partner. Additional commercial and civic partners include the Esports Foundation, eyewear brand Oakley, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA).
Public voting for the 2026 categories remains open on the official Esports Awards platform until 10 November 2026. A final “Turbo Week” voting window will run from 3 November to 10 November, during which submitted fan votes will carry double weighting toward final category tallies.
