May 1st, 2026 · Louisville, KY

Esports Derby / Game Jam

2026 ESPORTS DERBY GAME JAM

Build, compete, and win on Roblox. A full-day hackathon where the next generation of game designers collaborate to create original mini-games and compete for $1,500 in scholarships.

Register Your Team Learn More
$1,500
In Scholarships
1 – 4
Students Per Team
U18
Open to All Ages
1 DAY
Full-Day Event
$25
Registration Fee

A Game Jam & Hackathon on Roblox

The 2026 Esports Derby Game Jam is a full-day, high-energy event where student teams design, build, and present original mini-games inside Roblox Studio.

Teams of up to four students collaborate under the clock to bring their game concepts to life, then compete for scholarship prizes judged on creativity, gameplay, and technical execution.

Open to any student under 18 — beginners are welcome.

🎮

Build on Roblox

Use Roblox Studio to design interactive mini-games. No expensive hardware needed — just a laptop and creativity.

🤝

Collaborate & Compete

Form teams of 1–4 students. Work together, receive mentorship, and present your finished game to a panel of judges.

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Win Scholarships

Top teams earn scholarship prizes up to $1,500. All participants receive recognition and event swag.

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Learn Game Design

Workshops on game mechanics, Lua scripting, and UX design run all day. Leave with new skills regardless of placement.

Up to $1,500 to Win

All prizes are awarded as scholarships. Top teams also receive trophies, certificates, and exclusive sponsor swag.

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// 1st Place
$1,000
Scholarship award for 1st place team. Trophy + certificates + full sponsor package.
🥈
// 2nd Place
$500
Scholarship award for 2nd place team. Trophy + certificates + sponsor swag kit.
⭐
// Special Awards
Bonus
Best Design, Most Creative Concept, and Best First-Timer awards with sponsor gifts.

Event Schedule
Friday, May 1st, 2026

08:00 AM
Doors Open & Check-In
Arrive at 4741 Rockford Plaza, Louisville, KY. Collect your badge, meet your team, and set up your workstation.
09:00 AM
Opening Ceremony & Kickoff
Welcome address, sponsor introductions, rule briefing, and theme reveal. The jam officially starts here!
09:30 AM
Workshops: Roblox Studio Basics
Beginner-friendly intro to Roblox Studio, Lua scripting essentials, and game design fundamentals.
10:00 AM
Game Jam Begins 🚀
Teams break out and start building. Mentors circulate. Resources and snacks available throughout.
12:30 PM
Lunch & Midday Check-In
Catered lunch break. Progress check-ins with mentors. Teams can demo early builds for informal feedback.
03:30 PM
Build Deadline & Submission
All game builds are locked and submitted for judging. No further code changes after this point.
04:00 PM
Team Presentations
Each team gets 5 minutes to demo their game and pitch to judges. Public viewing encouraged!
05:30 PM
Awards Ceremony 🏆
Announcement of 1st and 2nd place and special awards. Scholarship certificates distributed. Group photo!

Event Location

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4741 Rockford Plaza Louisville, KY 40216
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Friday, May 1st, 2026 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Doors open at 8:00 AM)
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Parking Free parking available at the venue. Public transit accessible.
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Questions? info@changingthegame.org

Our Sponsors

This event is made possible by our incredible sponsors who support the next generation of game developers.

PC Pros
Education Partner
State of Play
Program Host
Alpha Lambda Education Foundation
Scholarship Sponsor

Register Your Team

Spots are limited. Fill out the form below to reserve your team's place at the 2026 Esports Derby Game Jam.

Team Registration Form

Complete all required fields. Team captain registers first — you can add up to 3 additional teammates.

Team Info
Please enter a team name.
Please select team size.
Please select experience level.
Team Captain (You)
Required.
Required.
Must be under 18.
Required.
Valid email required.
Required.
Required.
Additional Info
Agreements
You must agree to the rules.
🎮

You're Registered!

Your team has been entered into the 2026 Esports Derby Game Jam. Check your email for confirmation and the guardian consent form. See you on May 1st!

📍 4741 Rockford Plaza, Louisville, KY 40216