Esports hosts Nebraska high school state tournament

The best esports teams across Nebraska will compete in person at the 2021 Fall Nebraska Schools Esports Association (NSeSA) State Tournament at Concordia University Nov. 19-20.

Over the two days of competition, about 300 esports athletes are expected to compete across four divisions in three games—Hearthstone, Rocket League and Overwatch—with the final four teams in each game’s division featured at the tournament. Spectators are encouraged to attend, as there will be a viewing area featuring live feeds of the matches being played in real-time.

“It’s important for us to make a big deal about this,” Ryan Hinds, NSeSA vice president and Concordia esports head coach, said. “When Nebraska high school sports teams earn a trip to a state championship, they typically play at top venues like Memorial Stadium, Pinnacle Bank Arena or the Devaney Center. Having the final four teams in esports compete in person at the same location is not only a great way to emphasize the importance of this event, it’s also a way to recognize the students who have worked so hard throughout the year.”

The esports scene has grown immensely in Nebraska and across the globe in recent years. The NSeSA has experienced exponential growth since its first year in 2018-19 with 13 schools—this year, the organization has 43 member schools that participate in fall and spring seasons. According to the National Association of Collegiate eSports, about 175 colleges and universities have esports programs, many of which offer scholarships to students who participate.

“As more colleges develop programs, high school administrators and faculty get to see that this is a real thing and not just kids playing video games,” Matt Hinkel, NSeSA president and digital media teacher at Grand Island Northwest, said. “This is a legitimate activity that people are competing in and potentially receiving scholarships for.”

The NSeSA state tournament is held for the fall and spring seasons, with the tournament venues rotating to other Nebraska higher education institutions. This is the second year in a row Concordia has hosted the fall event.

“It’s a great opportunity for high school students to interact with collegiate esports programs to help grow the esports scene in Nebraska,” Hinds said.

Similar to athletics or performance opportunities in high school, esports provides students a community where they can build relationships with others, Hinds said.

“Schools are starting to realize they can engage with more students through a medium they’re already engaged in,” he said. “Many of these students are already playing these games at home and with their friends, and now by playing on a school team, they are encouraged to be more engaged at school to keep their grades up so they remain eligible, and they’re building friendships with people who they may not have met before.”

State tournament matches will be streamed by members of the Concordia esports team on its Twitch channel.

Tournament Schedule

All matches played in Cattle Conference Room, in Janzow Campus Center

Friday, Nov. 19

9 – 10:15 a.m., Division 2 Rocket League (Best of 5) (Awards to follow)

10:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Division 2 Overwatch (Best of 3) (Awards to follow)

2:30 – 4:30 p.m., Division 1 and 2 Hearthstone (Best of 3) (Awards to follow)

4:45 – 6 p.m., Division 1 Rocket League (Best of 5) (Awards to follow)

6:30 – 10 p.m., Division 1 Overwatch (Best of 3) (Awards to follow)

Saturday, Nov. 20

9 – 10:15 a.m., Division 4 Rocket League (Best of 5) (Awards to follow)

10:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Division 4 Overwatch (Best of 3) (Awards to follow)

2:30 – 4:30 p.m., Division 3 and 4 Hearthstone (Best of 3) (Awards to follow)

4:45 – 6 p.m., Division 3 Rocket League (Best of 5) (Awards to follow)

6:30 – 10 p.m., Division 3 Overwatch (Best of 3) (Awards to follow)