University of Hawaii participates in major esports conference

• The 2026 Academic Esports Seminar gathered esports researchers, educators and industry experts at the University of Agder in Grimstad, Norway
• At the recent event, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Esports Director, Nyle Sky Kauweloa, participated as a keynote speaker
• The expert drew international attention to Hawaii’s growing role in esports

Nyle Sky Kauweloa, the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) at Mānoa Esports Director, highlighted the growing role of Hawaii in the esports vertical.

The executive delivered a keynote address during the 2026 Academic Esports Seminar (AES).

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa participates in AES

The 2026 AES is organized by the Future Lab for Research in Academic Esports and gathered experts, researchers and educators from across the globe.

The event, taking place across three days, focused on connecting esports to education, health, policy, and other hot topics.

Notably, the 2026 AES represented one of the largest gatherings of esports industry researchers and experts, scholars and practitioners from North America, Australia, Europe and Asia.

The event featured seven research sessions that explored challenges and analyzed trends in esports.

Participating in the Seminar, the UH Mānoa Esports Director acknowledged Hawaii’s growing role in esports research, development and education, Casino Guru News learned from a press release.

"Hawaiʻi and the University of Hawaiʻi are helping shape the future of esports on a global scale," Kauweloa revealed.

Moreover, the expert pointed out: "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 Hawaiʻi as a leader in this space," the executive said in conclusion.

Only recently, the U.S. Navy announced it seeks players for its esports team roster.

Image credit: Pixabay.com