Texas Southern University’s Tigers United Gaming Returns to Dream Con with Expanded Professional Opportunities for Students
Texas Southern University’s official student-led esports organization, Tigers United Gaming (TUG), returns to Dream Con 2026 for its second consecutive year, expanding opportunities for students to gain leadership experience, build professional networks and develop hands-on skills in esports, live event production and gaming culture.
Founded by RDCWorld, Dream Con is a premier entertainment convention celebrating gaming, anime, sports, film, music, and pop culture while championing diversity and underrepresented voices across fandom communities. As the convention returns to Houston, Tigers United Gaming will once again help lead programming and community engagement throughout the event.
“Tigers United Gaming was created to ensure our students have access to opportunities that extend beyond the classroom,” said Jeremy Lewis, Associate Director of Campus Recreation. “Our collaboration with Dream Con reflects Texas Southern University’s commitment to innovation, student leadership and preparing graduates for careers in emerging industries. We’re proud to showcase the talent of our students while creating experiences that connect them with professionals and communities across Houston and beyond.”
Last year, Tigers United Gaming hosted an HBCU Esports panel moderated by Dream Con Communications Manager and Virginia State University alumnus Deon Tillman and introduced attendees to the popular ‘Skatercade’ experience inside the Texas Southern University Recreation Center, home to the university’s esports lab. This year, the organization returns with expanded programming that strengthens community connections while creating new opportunities for students.
Among the featured events is ‘Skatercade 3: Glow in the Dark Edition’, a pre-convention skating experience that brings together Houston’s skating and gaming communities. Scheduled for Thursday, July 9, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Texas Southern University Recreation Center, the event will offer volunteer roles for TSU students and Houston residents, along with networking opportunities and exclusive event experiences.
Tigers United Gaming will also bring back ‘Yapathon’, an interactive community event created by former TUG Marketing Chair Kailen Brown. Participants will have five minutes to passionately discuss any topic of their choosing while enjoying additional gaming experiences, including Just Dance stations, inside Dream Con’s Gaming Hall.
“Our relationship with Texas Southern University continues to demonstrate how impactful HBCU students are in shaping the future of gaming culture,” said Dom Hudson, Director of Gaming at Dream Con. “Working alongside Tigers United Gaming allows us to create authentic experiences that celebrate community while opening doors for the next generation of creators, innovators, and industry professionals.”
Beyond fan programming, the collaboration creates direct career pathways through Esports Foundry, a national esports production company headquartered in Worthington, Ohio. Texas Southern students will join Esports Foundry’s professional production team during Dream Con, gaining real-world experience in tournament operations, live production, and event management.
Students selected for production roles include:
- Sy’tavia Massie – Assistant Producer
- Lindsey Williams (’26) – Tournament Administrator
- Jodie Bradford – Pool Captain
- Kamathi Long – Pool Captain
- Ethan Johnson – Pool Captain
- Kayla Miller (’26) – Check-In Staff
- Carter Henson (’26) – Check-In Staff
- Hilton Smith (’25) – Check-In Staff
- Kailen Brown – Check-In Staff
Working alongside industry professionals, students will serve as assistant producers, tournament administrators, pool captains, and event operations staff, supporting every phase of production from event setup through live execution.
“Plenty of students get to tour an event. We want Texas Southern students to run one,” said Michael Wisnios, Senior Director of Partnerships at Esports Foundry. “They’ll work tournament operations, stage, and broadcast right next to our crew, and they’ll earn their spots. Getting to be part of that is the best part of this for us.”
The collaboration builds on Esports Foundry’s broader relationship with Texas Southern University, including support for the university’s on-campus esports lab through a multi-campus HBCU esports initiative.
As Texas Southern University continues expanding opportunities in emerging technologies, digital media and esports, collaborations with Dream Con and Esports Foundry reinforce the university’s commitment to preparing students for success through meaningful, career-focused experiences.
