Gaming for Arizona's Children with GCU Esports

By Ralph Freso

GCU Esports partnered with the Arizona Cardinals to raise funds for the Arizona's Children Association. Participants from all over the Valley came to GCU Esports Arena to play Super Smash Bros. on Saturday as part of the Gaming for Arizona's Children event. The top 16 gamers battled it out at State Farm Stadium on Sunday before the Cardinals versus San Francisco 49ers football game. Story

  • GCU Esports Director of Operations Jay DeShong (left) and Arizona's Children Association Senior Director of Development Jim Van Wicklin hold the champion's belt for the winner of the Gaming for Arizona’s Children tournament at the GCU Esports Arena and State Farm Stadium over the weekend. Nov. 15, 2025.
  • Arizona Cardinals mascot Big Red greeted young gamers during the Gaming for Arizona’s Children tournament at the GCU Esports Arena on Nov. 15, 2025.
  • Gamers compete in Nintendo Super Smash Bros. during opening rounds of the Gaming for Arizona’s Children fundraiser at GCU Esports Arena for a chance to advance to the finals at State Farm Stadium over the weekend. Nov. 15, 2025.
  • GCU alumnus and Cardinals Account Executive for Group Sales Blake Davis (standing) watches as mascot Big Red plays gamers in Super Smash Bros.
  • Gamers compete in Nintendo Super Smash Bros. during opening rounds of the Gaming for Arizona’s Children fundraising tournament at GCU Esports Arena for a chance to advance to the finals at State Farm Stadium over the weekend.
  • Sophomores Kaceson Tisdel (left) and Jeremiah Gilbert play Super Smash Bros. as Cardinals mascot Big Red watches.
  • Arizona's Children Association Senior Director of Development Jim Van Wicklin watches the gaming action during the Gaming for Arizona’s Children tournament.
  • GCU Esports Director of Operations Jay DeShong talks with Arizona's Children Association CEO Tracy Thurston during the Gaming for Arizona’s Children tournament fundraiser.
  • Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Marcell Harris signs a jersey as Arizona's Children Association sponsor Pat Peyton looks on during the Gaming for Arizona’s Children tournament.
  • GCU Esports Director of Operations Jay DeShong interviews Cardinals linebacker Jared Bartlett during the livestream of the Gaming for Arizona’s Children tournament fundraiser.
  • GCU Esports Director of Operations Jay DeShong and Arizona's Children Association Senior Director of Development Jim Van Wicklin (center) with organizers and special guests at the Gaming for Arizona’s Children tournament fundraiser.

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GCU Magazine

ViewCurrent November 2025

Bible Verse

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped ... (Philippians 2:5-6)

To Read More: www.verseoftheday.com/