From “Mariokart” to “Fortnite”, video games span a wide variety of genres and are available to transport people to different competitive worlds of their choosing. Today, video games entertain people for hours on end, and some people even make a living off of it by doing livestreams on Twitch or Youtube. Others compete on a video game team for their school.
That’s right, Esports offers a new type of school competition. Just last year, in Colorado Esports became a sanctioned sport by the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). Now high school students all over Colorado can join their school’s esports team and compete against other teams in the state on different video games. Fruita Monument’s Esports team is getting ready to start their spring season. Their coach or advisor is Teryn Gott, one of Fruita’s Spanish teachers. There are currently 9 members on Fruita Monument’s Esports team. This year they will compete in “Splatoon 3” and “Super Smash Bros Ultimate”.
Esports is on the up in Colorado. According to CHSAA, for the fall season, there were 31 new Rocket League teams and 11 new League of Legends teams. If the spring championship season follows this pattern, this number will only increase.
The format for Esports at the state level says each school can have as many teams as they want, but only two can qualify for the state tournament. The state brackets will be composed of either the top 16 or top 32 teams in each video game in the state. During the fall season, Fruita Monument’s only team was a “Super Smash Bros” team. They ended up placing 86th in state, so this spring the members are focused on improvement. “I want to try and reach the top 64 teams again this season which would allow us to compete for a chance at playoffs again,” stated junior Ryan Bowen, who has been on the team since freshman year.
For those on the team though, it isn’t just about winning. Esports offers a competitive environment and school involvement to those who love to game. “I do esports and enjoy it because I enjoy gaming. Esports gives me the chance to compete competitively and play for the school, so I can get more involved. I also can meet similar individuals who enjoy gaming.” Bowen explained.
Another team member, sophomore Adean Lopez, does it for the team aspect of the sport. “I do esports as a fun opportunity to represent the school in a way I like! My favorite thing is the team. We are an amazing group and most of our members are much better at the games than I am,” Lopez said.
The competitiveness Esports adds to video games people play on a regular basis gives competitors a change of pace from just playing the games at their house. It requires strategy and smart gameplay. One must know a lot about their chosen video game to be successful at the sport. As Fruita Monument’s Esports team embarks on their spring season the school wishes them luck and success. GAME ON!
