The Penny Games

2026 HBCU DEBATE+ ESPORTS INVITATIONAL

2024 Debate Recap

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The Penny Games

AT A GLANCE

The Penny Games is the only multi-day HBCU intellectual sports competition in the country. Each fall, HBCU students travel to Birmingham to compete in debate, esports, business case, and cybersecurity challenges while engaging directly with employers and civic leaders.
 
In 2025, 11 HBCUs from 7 states participated. Birmingham City Schools enrolled 73 students in college-prep debate programs, with 100% retention through Year 2. The tournament connects talent to opportunity and positions Birmingham as a serious destination for Black academic competition.

HBCU DEBATE CLASSIC

Parliamentary-style competition hosted in Birmingham City Schools, culminating in a championship final. Students research policy questions, argue in timed rounds, and respond to live rebuttals from opposing teams.

Esports Invitational

Team-based competition with live streaming and structured brackets. Students compete in a professional environment while building collaboration, strategy, and digital production experience.

Business Case Competition

Students analyze real civic or corporate challenges and present recommendations to executives and city leaders. Judges evaluate clarity, feasibility, and financial reasoning.

Cybersecurity – Capture the Flag

Hands-on technical challenge where students identify vulnerabilities and defend simulated systems. Designed to introduce pathways into cybersecurity and STEM careers.

College & Career Fair

Employers conduct interviews, share internship pathways, and connect with students before senior-year recruiting cycles.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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Registered Attendees

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Local High School Students

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HBCU Debate Teams

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Prize Pool

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Employers & Partners

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Sessions, Rounds & Activations

JOIN US

Schedule, Run of Show & TIckets

Welcome Reception

Citywide kickoff with music, mixers, and special guests.

Preliminary Debate Rounds

Local High Schools (Debate)
Parliamentary format; 16 HBCU teams compete across multiple rooms.

LOCATION TBA

ESports Heats

Esports heat

Esports Championship

Live play-by-play with caster desk; spectators welcome.

College & Career Fair

Meet colleges; connect across 37 bays.

Final Debate Breakfast (ticketed)

Final Debate

LOCATION TBA

Finals + Awards (streamed)

Finals + Awards

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Thank you to our official sponsors and partners!  For more information on how you can become a sponsor or partner email us at hbcu@pennyfoundation.org

The penny games

understanding our mission

Lyord Watson jr.
    Lyord Watson jr.

    Founder & CEO

    “The Penny Games is an exciting initiative—it’s a win-win for everyone involved. College students have the opportunity to compete in their respective fields. High school students will be exposed to colleges. The Birmingham metro area can connect with and recruit talent for our job markets. The City of Birmingham has the opportunity to share our story. We view The Penny Games as a necessary and needed investment in our city.”

    Cxmmunity
      Cxmmunity

      Sponsor/Partner

      “At Cxmmunity, we see esports as a gateway to the broader innovation economy. Partnering with The Penny Foundation gives HBCU students a real-time stage to turn gaming aptitude into career-ready skills, and that alignment is exactly what excites us.”

      Our Blog

      News & Updates

      News, special announcement, press releases and more. 

      FAQs

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Oct 1–3, 2025.

      Downtown Birmingham. Debate rounds at Birmingham City Schools, esports at Miles College and Topgolf, finals and career expo at the BJCC, and Welcome Reception (invite-only).

       

      Debate teams can email hbcu@pennyfoundation.org. Esports registration will is available through Cxmmunity

      The Penny Foundation connects people, organizations and Resources To Drive Meaningful Change.

      Contact Us

      Our Email

      hbcu@pennyfoundation.org

      Our Phone

      (205) 530-2238

      Support Us

      Our Email

      hbcu@pennyfoundation.org

      The Penny Foundation Inc. 

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