A student is shown at his home using his computer to compete against a player from another school.

Blue Earth Area High School is providing even more opportunities for their students to take part in extracurricular activities this school year with the addition of esports among their latest offerings.

Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games and often takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions which are usually played online.

The coach for BEA’s esports program is Ethan Davide who teaches English to ninth graders and seniors at BEA.

“During the fall and spring quarters, esports is a club sport,” Davide explains. “The varsity season for esports takes place during the winter quarter.”

Currently, Davide shares there are seven kids out for esports.

“I know there are some other students who are interested,” Davide comments. “Many of them are currently involved in traditional sports and are unable to participate in esports right now.”

Currently, there are 12 sports, or games, available to be played at the high school level.

“But, they are adding more options all the time,” Davide notes. “Some of the more popular, or well known, games being offered are Minecraft, Mario Kart, Fortnite, Call of Duty and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. However, something more familiar to everyone, chess, is also available to play.”

Like conventional sports, those involved in esports are currently in the preseason part of their schedule.

“To compete in the varsity regular season you have to compete in the preseason,” Davide shares. “The regular season runs December through the end of January. The playoffs take place from Feb. 3-7 and the State Tournament will be held in person at St. Cloud State University.”

Minnesota Varsity League (MNVL), which is powered by Fenworks, is the home for Minnesota scholastic esports. The goal of the MNVL, according to their website, is to create opportunities for students to advance their skills in competition and industry which will benefit their academic and professional careers.

“Many of the games are based on strategy and planning,” Davide emphasizes. “It is about play and counter-play, figuring out what works and what doesn’t and determining the best strategy to utilize against your opponent.”

Because esports games are played online, the whole state became accessible for competition.

Esports is a co-ed sport which is usually played from the student’s home.

“I do help out by coaching the kids and giving advice, but I am almost more of a facilitator,” Davide states. “I make sure the students have everything lined up for their competition and that they have everything they need to take on their opponent, which most often takes place at night.”

The students can use a variety of platforms to compete, including a computer, X-box, Playstation or Nintendo Switch.

In the near future, Davide notes the competitions will most likely be live-streamed so that other people can watch them.

Davide shares that not every player plays every game.

“Some might compete only in Minecraft, for instance. The beauty of the sport is that you can be matched up against someone else who plays the same game,” the BEA coach says. “You are also matched against similar levels of competition. If your record is 3-0, you will play someone who has a similar record.”

Video games have been a big part of Davide’s life.

“I began playing them at the age of four years old,” Davide shares. “I prefer to play story-based games where the player is an active participant in the story.”

Davide, who resides in Fairmont, is pleased that BEA is offering the opportunity for students to participate in esports.

“I am happy to see the growth in esports,” Davide comments. “It is one of the fastest growing sports in the state. There are 114 schools competing in Minnesota, including 20 new schools this year.”

According to Davide, there are no divisions, leagues or conferences in esports and the students have to be 14-18 years old to compete. When it comes to the State competition, there will be individuals competing against other individuals and teams competing against other teams.

“The kids that are in esports are really excited,” Davide concludes. “Being an esport competitor requires communication skills, teamwork and learning what they can do better to be successful.”