The Emerging Activity proposal, approved by the Executive Committee, requested a state championship in fiscal year 2026. Each year, the participation rate in esports has continued to increase. For FY2025, participation increased again. We have seen steady growth in the activity.
At the Executive Committee (EC) meeting in May, the EC approved esports as a sanctioned activity, subject to specific provisions. This fall, esports will hold state championships in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and League of Legends. The spring season will feature state championships in Rocket League and Mario Kart (new game title). Teams and individuals can still play other VHSL-approved regional titles offered on the PlayVS platform in addition to the titles offered as championships in their respective seasons.
The VHSL approved esports as an Emerging Activity in FY2020. As an Emerging Activity, esports had three years to meet the existing state criteria to become recognized as a VHSL state event (PM 54-1-1(1)). During the 2022-23 school, the Executive Committee approved a three-year “reset” on the emerging status for esports as an Emerging Activity. The Emerging Activity proposal, approved by the Executive Committee, requested a state championship for FY2026.
For more information about esports, please contact Shawn Knight ([email protected]).
