The Esports Research Network Conference 2027 (ERNC27) takes place at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, from November 9 to 11, 2027, with pre-conference workshops on November 8. It is the first time the conference comes to North America. ERNC27 is hosted by NC State University with the support of Visit Raleigh.

The theme, “Think & Do: Where Research, Competition & Community Converge,” borrows NC State’s motto. It starts from the observation that esports lives in three worlds at once: a field of research, a competitive practice that reaches from scholastic leagues to world championships, and a community of players, fans, clubs, universities and cities.

“The strength of esports research lies in its diversity of perspectives and its potential to make a meaningful impact beyond academia. By bringing together researchers, industry professionals, educators, and esports communities, ERNC27 creates space for conversations and collaborations that can move the field forward,” noted Seth E. Jenny, Co-chair of ERNC27 and Associate Professor of Exercise Science at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, USA.

“NC State brings research and collegiate esports together on one campus, while Raleigh has deeply invested in supporting and hosting esports events at the professional level. This combination makes North Carolina the right place for the first ERNC in North America,” stated Amanda C. Cote, Co-chair of ERNC27 and Associate Professor of Media and Information at Michigan State University, USA.

We invite abstracts of up to 500 words from every discipline. They can be for in-person presentations, online pre-recorded presentations or posters. We also welcome proposals for panels and half-day pre-conference workshops.

  • Deadline: January 4, 2027
  • Decisions: March 15, 2027
  • Registration opens: April 3, 2027

Read the full call and submit here: https://2027.esportsresearch.net

For press: Download the press release (PDF) and fact sheet (PDF). Logos, banners and photos are available on request at ernc@esportsresearch.net.