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St. Clair College to host esports championship

Hundreds of high school students will compete in the Provincial Rocket League Championship this May.

February 19, 2023 at 06:00 AM

St. Clair College to host provincial esport championship

High school students will gather at St. Clair College for a major esports event.

St. Clair College to host provincial esports championship

St. Clair College will host the Provincial Rocket League High School Championship this May, drawing hundreds of students from across Ontario. Last year's event was the first of its kind for high school competitive gaming, with over 400 participants from 72 schools. Shaun Byrne, the college's Esports Director, highlighted the growing importance of esports in schools, noting that the Ontario Federation of School Esports Associations (OFSEA) supports the establishment of these teams. Since its creation last year, OFSEA has expanded to cover nearly half of the province's school boards, facilitating leagues in popular games like Rocket League and League of Legends. The championship will take place at the new St. Clair Esports Nexus, with live audience participation and a Twitch livestream.

Key Takeaways

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The championship showcases the rise of esports in Ontario high schools.

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St. Clair College's facility supports the growing esports movement.

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OFSEA represents a significant number of school boards in Ontario.

"It’s increasingly clear that the establishment of esports teams in high schools in Ontario is no longer a matter of if, but rather when."

Shaun Byrne emphasizes the inevitability of esports in schools as a growing trend.

"It was a crucial part of the overall vision, providing students with the resources necessary to hone their skills and become professionals in the esports industry."

Byrne underlines the importance of the new facility in supporting student development.

The rapid growth of esports in high schools signals a significant shift in how education systems are adapting to modern interests. With organizations like OFSEA leading the way, students now have opportunities to engage in competitive gaming, fostering skills that could lead to professional careers. This championship not only promotes teamwork and strategy among participants but also validates esports as a legitimate avenue for youth engagement.