LOS ANGELES, CA – September 23, 2019 – Today,
PlayVS furthers its mission to bring esports to high schools nationwide by announcing Hawaii as the newest addition to its roster of partnered states. The current waitlist to build an interscholastic esports program with PlayVS is over 13,000 schools long — 68% of all high schools — and spans across all 50 US states. This puts esports on par with traditional programs like football, which is available in 14,247 schools.
The launch of the pilot program in the spring of 2019 is a testament to the success of the relationship between PlayVS and HHSAA. Of the 14 schools that participated, Hilo High School (27-6) took home the Rocket League Championship title, while President Theodore Roosevelt High School (20-0) took home the League of Legends Championship title. The excitement for this new opportunity is evident in the number of additional schools adopting esports this upcoming season.
“It’s very exciting,” said
Andy Nakamura, Iolani student. “We haven’t really had anything like this here. Gaming is a big part of my life. It’s been a big part of everyone’s lives here. It’s just exciting to have video games represented on a school campus. Never in a million years did I think it would happen.”
“The HHSAA is excited to once again partner with PlayVS to offer esports as one of our programs, allowing participants to represent their schools in a structured, scholastic environment,” said
Chris Chun, Executive Director, HHSAA. “Just as in any other team sport, our esport athletes will develop important life skills like teamwork, while fostering their physical, intellectual, social, and character development. The coaches’ testimonials from our pilot season were very positive and look forward to another great year.”
“Esports provides a new opportunity for students to become athletes,” said
Dr. Clint Kennedy, Director of Education & Acquisition at PlayVS. “It opens the door to scholarships, recognition, and newfound communities on campus. We are excited to work directly with teachers and schools to build out their esports programs this fall.”
During the first year of PlayVS’ ‘Seasons,’ esports teams nationwide had an average of 15 players per program, with one in three players participating in their first-ever school activity. More than 70% of the students who participated said they found a community to connect with, and more than 40% plan on using their esports experience to apply for colleges and universities.
The cost to participate — $64 per player — is paid for by a parent/guardian or, in most cases, the school. This cost provides students with a full suite of unlocked, in-game content (valued at over $700) and access to the full games themselves (each valued at $20-$60). Most schools already have the required computer equipment in existing labs or libraries, making esports a simple, low-cost/high-benefit program to get off the ground. Schools can still register for the fall season for free by signing up at
PlayVS.com.
The deadline for schools to register for this upcoming Fall season is October 11th. For more information on PlayVS, please visit https://www.playvs.com/. ABOUT PLAYVS
PlayVS is the premier high school esports provider, in partnership with the NFHS and 17 state associations. Its product is the single place where players come together to compete, fans gather to spectate and coaches manage their programs. Through partnerships with top game publishers, PlayVS powers inclusive league and State Championship play across the nation. For more information, visit
www.playvs.com.
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