Arizona State University wins the 2026 Regents’ Cup

Arizona State University won the seventh annual Regents' Cup, the Arizona Board of Regents’ signature showcase of free speech and civil discourse among the state’s three public universities.

The Sun Devil victory was punctuated by Jake Dueck and Sam Luba winning the Oxford debate competition, defeating Baibhav Saraf and Ayla Smith of Northern Arizona University. ASU’s Oxford debate teams of Shravya Aragam and Ryan Medrano, and Gauri Murkoth and Alexander Shin, also finished in a tie for third place. 

Benjamin Winkler of NAU won the storytelling competition, edging out Calliope Burkhart of ASU, who finished second, and Rebecca Ursule of the University of Arizona, who came in third.

“From the opening round to the awarding of the winners, this competition reflected the best of what our students can do,” said Regent Lee Stein, the Cup’s regent advisor. “Against the beautiful backdrop of the U of A campus, students rose to the moment, applying their civic learning with confidence, respect and care and delivered a competition that was both meaningful and memorable.”

Held on the U of A campus in Tucson, the 2026 tournament featured multiple rounds of persuasive storytelling and Oxford-style debate, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking, creativity and strong public speaking through civil discourse. 

The storytelling competition featured compelling narratives inspired by the theme, “Liberty and Responsibility.” Students also engaged in robust debates on pressing topics such as the role of generative artificial intelligence in undergraduate curriculum, physician-assisted suicide, social media age restrictions and a citizen’s moral obligation to be well-informed in order to vote. 

In the months leading up to the event, students dedicated themselves to honing their persuasive abilities, ultimately presenting their skills before a panel of judges that included elected and appointed officials, business and leaders, university leadership and their peers.

“The students I heard today in the storytelling and Oxford debate sessions were extraordinary,” said Hon. Roopali H. Desai, a judge on the community U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and a judge for the 2026 Regents Cup. “As someone who listens to oral advocates every day, I can say these students are among the strongest communicators I have heard. That gives me real confidence in the future, because clear, persuasive and respectful communication matters in every profession.”

Arizona's public universities are recognized by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) as leaders in free speech, each earning FIRE’s highest rating in the 2025 College Free Speech Rankings. The Regents' Cup competition is a testament to the universities' dedication to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can flourish.

Since its inception in 2019, the Regents’ Cup has become a hallmark of Arizona’s commitment to free expression and viewpoint diversity. Similar to the Territorial Cup rivalry, the winning team will proudly display the Regents' Cup trophy on its campus until next year's competition.

The board awards generous one-time scholarships to the top three winners in each category — $15,000 for first place, $12,000 for second and $5,000 for third. All other student competitors receive a $500 one-time scholarship, along with internship or course credit for their work.

The 2026 Regents’ Cup winners are:

• Team winner:
  • ASU
• Oxford debate:
  • First: Jake Dueck and Sam Luba of ASU 
  • Second: Baibhav Saraf and Ayla Smith of NAU
  • Third (tie): Shrayva Aragam and Ryan Medrano of ASU; Gauri Murkoth and Alexander Shin of ASU
• Storytelling:
  • First: Benjamin Winkler of NAU
  • Second: Calliope Burkhart of ASU
  • Third: Rebecca Ursule of U of A

Find all of the competitors here.