The Rise of eSports at Blake: A New Era of Competition

In recent years, the world of eSports has gained massive recognition, and our school has followed suit with the formation of  our own eSports club, which started during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. This club has given students an opportunity to engage in competitive gaming, teamwork, and exploration to future career paths in the gaming industry.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, students found themselves isolated from friends and traditional school activities. The eSports club became a vital space for social interaction, allowing students to connect with each other through gaming. With unrestricted internet access at home, students could participate in competitive online play which helped them stay engaged and maintain friendships despite physical distancing. Returning to in-person schooling introduced some network restrictions that limited these opportunities, but the club has since worked to create a space where students can continue engaging in competitive gaming.

While interviewing members of the eSports club, I learned about their diverse experiences and perspectives. One of the Rocket League players, who’s a sophomore at Blake, shared their experience of joining the club after a hiatus from gaming. They expressed how the club has not only helped them refine their skills but also taught them valuable teamwork strategies through regular lunchtime matches. Though they missed a recent competition, they look forward to participating in future tournaments.

Another club member, a senior at Blake, one of the longest-standing participants, explained how the club allows students to play various games, including Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and Rocket League. Unlike traditional sports, eSports fosters inclusivity, welcoming players of all skill levels. The best part of the club is that anyone can join—whether they are a beginner or an experienced player, and even if they don’t have gaming equipment at home. The club ensures that everyone has a chance to participate, making it one of the most accessible extracurricular activities available.

The club currently meets weekly, with its schedule varying in the past. Competitions have been held, but not all members have had the opportunity to participate yet. Some members see eSports as a hobby, while others view it as a stepping stone toward careers in game development and coding.

Despite the club’s success, accessibility remains a concern. Not all students have gaming equipment at home, limiting participation. One potential solution is creating a hybrid gaming environment where students can use school-provided computers to join online matches via platforms like Zoom. This would ensure that all students, regardless of their home setup, can participate equally.

Additionally, students have noted difficulty finding the eSports club under the sports category on the school’s website, highlighting the need for better recognition and visibility. Currently, the eSports League in the county is not affiliated with athletics, making it harder for students to locate and join.

As the club continues to grow, its members hope for increased support from the school, better resources, and more competitive opportunities. With the rise of professional gaming and scholarship opportunities in eSports, it’s clear that this club is more than just a pastime—it’s a gateway to new possibilities for students passionate about gaming.

The future of eSports at our school looks bright, and with continued dedication from its members, it has the potential to become a cornerstone of student activities. Whether as a hobby or a stepping stone to a future career, eSports is here to stay.