NCA EXPO 2026
Main stage Lineup
Panels, competitions, and live entertainment throughout the day.
Main-stage times are currently being finalized. Check back soon for the complete schedule. Lineup and times are subject to change!
SIGN UP ON SITE AT THE REGISTRATION BOOTH
MAIN STAGE Annoucements
Opening
Ceremony
TIME 10:00 A.M
Opening Ceremony: Welcome to NCA Expo 2026!
Join us as we officially kick off NCA Expo 2026!
We’ll welcome attendees, preview the day’s activities, recognize the partners who helped make the event possible, and share a few important announcements before the main stage programming begins.
MAIN STAGE ShowCase
Indie game Dev
Showcase
TIME 10:15 A.M
Indie Game Developer Showcase:
Discover What Our Featured Developers Are Creating!
Immediately after the opening ceremony, each featured indie game developer will take the main stage for a 15-minute showcase.
See their games in action, learn about what they’re creating, and then visit their tables in the main ballroom to meet the developers and discover more!
MAIN STAGE COMPETITION
REPLAY RELAY
TIME 11:00 AM
$50 Gift-Card prize
Grab a friend and take the main stage as a two-player team!
Teams of two compete through racing, platforming, beat-’em-up, and other video-game challenges. Each player completes their section before passing the controller to their teammate. The first team to finish wins.
MAIN STAGE COMPETITION
Beat the boss/become the boss
TIME 12:00 PM
$50 GIFT CARD PRIZE
CHANCE TO WIN $100 Gift Card Prize
Are you ready to take on the reigning Boss in their featured game?
Each challenger will receive one opportunity to defeat the Boss before returning to the end of the line. Defeat the Boss to take the $50 prize.
Become the Boss and defend your throne against incoming challengers.
Successfully defend the throne three consecutive times to unlock a special match against a NCA executive for a chance to double the prize to $100!
MAIN STAGE COMPETITION
lITTLE STREAMERS
TIME 1:00
GIFT CARD PRIZES
1ST PLACE — $100
2ND PLACE — $50
3RD PLACE — $25
Little Streamers is a youth streaming showcase for aspiring creators ages 12 & under.
Each contestant will receive time live on stage to demonstrate their streaming skills, entertain the audience, and impress our judges.
Bring your personality, gaming knowledge, and best on-camera energy for a chance to become the 2026 NCA Expo Little Streamers Champion!
A parent or legal guardian’s permission is required to participate.
MAIN STAGE COMPETITION
Cosplay Contest
TIME 2:00 PM
GIFT CARD PRIZES
1ST PLACE — $100
2ND PLACE — $50
NCA Mascot Bounty- $50
Showcase your creativity, craftsmanship, and stage presence by bringing your favorite character to life during the NCA Expo Cosplay Contest!
The contest is open to cosplayers of all ages and experience levels. Registration and check-in will take place onsite.
Contestants younger than 13 must remain accompanied by a parent or responsible adult throughout the contest.
The NCA Mascot Bounty is a separate award and may be won in addition to a placement prize.
All costumes, props, and presentations must follow NCA Expo’s family-friendly contest and safety requirements.
MAIN STAGE COMPETITION
Grand Finals Block
TIME 3:00 PM
TOURNAMENT PRIZES
CASH PAYOUTS
SPONSOR GIFT CARDS
Earn your place in the final round of one of NCA Expo’s featured fighting-game tournaments and finish the bracket under the spotlight on the main stage!
The Grand Finals Block will feature the Expo’s biggest matches as competitors battle for tournament cash payouts and sponsor-provided gift-card prizes.
The tournaments selected for the main-stage finals will be announced with the complete event schedule.
Tournament registration is only $5 per game, with entry fees contributing to that game’s prize pool.
