85 percent of teens in America play video games. Most of them play for fun but for a select few, this can be a job. The professional videogame playing(or esports) market is expected to be worth 12 billion by 2032. Already in 2025 esports professional matches and tournaments are getting higher viewership than events like the Super Bowl.
At North Central students can choose between many clubs including the phenomenal esports. Math teacher Leland Lockhart helps with the team twice a week.
“One of four coaches, so I coach two of the days. I do a lot of the prep work behind the scenes, managing the matches, making sure our stuff is in the system and stuff,” Lockhart said.
The team is a part of North America’s biggest playing platform, PlayVS. This allows athletes to play matches against other schools in our district, and teams in the east region.
They don;t just play one or two games. The teams are able to play a variety of games through their platform.
“Right now some of our most popular games include fortnite, marvel rivals, rocket league, super smash brothers, madden nfl, league of legends, and mario kart.” Lockhart said.
Having this variety of games is a great thing for this program and the development of the athletes.
This team is a great opportunity for freshmen and new students to meet other passionate gamers. Lockhart’s favorite part about the team is sharing his love of video games with his students.
“They(the students) get super jazzed about playing esports.” Lockhart said.
This team is a great opportunity for freshmen and new students to meet other passionate gamers. To join, there are steps to follow.
“To join this wonderful community you must come to the call out meeting sometime next semester and sign up for the canvas page,” Lockhart said.
Just like all other sports and clubs, attending call out meetings is of most importance.
Coming out to support the team is also very important. With the next season or two, streaming the matches will most likely be available. But currently due to construction there is very limited space to game or watch.
After construction is finished there have been plans to add a brand new esports Lab. “After construction there will be an esports lab where people can come and watch them play.” Lockhart said.
This addition will be a huge boost for the program and goes to show the obvious growth of the sport across the nation.
