University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa Esports Director Nyle Sky Kauweloa delivered a keynote address at the 2026 Academic Esports Seminar (AES), one of the largest gatherings of esports researchers in the world, bringing international attention to Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯²õ expanding role in esports education, research and industry development.
Held over three days in May 2026 at the University of Agder in Grimstad, Norway, the conference brought together approximately 50 researchers, educators, industry leaders and practitioners from around the globe to explore esports¡¯ connections to education, health, policy, innovation and digital society.
Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯²õ unique position in global esports collaboration
Kauweloa, who also participated in a panel on esports, multiculturalism and diplomacy, delivered a keynote presentation focused on how island communities such as Â鶹´«Ã½ can play a unique role in shaping the future of global esports by fostering collaboration, cultural exchange and innovation across international networks.
“Â鶹´«Ã½ and the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ are helping shape the future of esports on a global scale,” Kauweloa said. “The conversations taking place at AES show that esports is no longer viewed as a niche activity, but as an emerging industry and research field. UH is building partnerships, creating opportunities for students and contributing knowledge that is helping position Â鶹´«Ã½ as a leader in this space.”
The three-day seminar featured scholars and practitioners from countries across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with research sessions examining topics ranging from grassroots esports development and student learning to health, inclusion and international collaboration.
Organized by the Future Lab for Research in Academic Esports, AES 2026 included seven research sessions, three keynote presentations and three international panels focused on the future of esports and its impact on digitally connected communities.
UH Esports is one of the nation¡¯²õ leading collegiate esports programs, with more than 100 student-athletes competing nationally and internationally. This academic year, UH Mānoa¡¯²õ Rocket League team captured a national championship in its first season of competition.
Visit the UH esports team¡¯²õ and pages. More stories on UH¡¯²õ esports program.