Competition
NSDA National Speech & Debate Tournament
National Speech & Debate Association
Recognition
Competitors who advance through the week-long championship are named National Tournament Champions in their events.
Deadline
~May 15, 2027
Estimated; confirm on sponsor site
The premier national championship of the National Speech & Debate Association, where high school students who qualify through NSDA district tournaments compete in speech and debate events; a separate Middle School Nationals is also held.
Eligibility
- Grade levels
- High school
- Fields of study
- Communications
Application requirements
- Earn NSDA membership with at least the Merit degree to be district-eligible
- Compete in and earn qualifying points at your NSDA district tournament
- File a Single Entry Letter of Intent (SELI) declaring your qualifying event: No student may double-enter at the National Tournament.
- School/coach completes National Tournament registration, payment, and judge obligations by the deadline
- Attend and compete at the National Tournament: 2027 tournament: June 13-18, 2027, Phoenix, AZ.
Verified Jul 6, 2026 · View official source