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FORT SMITH, Ark. — Inside the Grizzlies arena at Northside High School, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement as students compete in the Arkansas Activities Association’s spring Esports Championship.
From Mario Kart to Rocket League, over 1,000 students from 42% of Arkansas high schools are showcasing their skills in a rapidly growing activity.
“Esports is one of the fastest-growing activities that we have in the state of Arkansas,” said Bobby Swofford, assistant executive director of the Arkansas Activities Association. “And what’s great about esports is it attracts a different type of student than other sports or activities you may think of.”
Unlike traditional sports, esports draws in students who might not otherwise participate in school activities. Swofford noted that 85% of esports competitors are not involved in other extracurriculars, providing them with a sense of belonging and teamwork.
At Northside High School, the Grizzlies’ esports team, led by head coach Ken Edmonson, has been a pioneer in the state’s esports scene for eight years.
“We approach it the same way we would for any other sport,” Edmonson said. “It’s nothing different than what a basketball player would be doing to get ready for basketball games, or a football player, or a baseball player.”
The team practices weekly, competing in titles like League of Legends and Mario Kart through a platform provided by PlayVS, which waives all fees for Arkansas schools. This accessibility has helped esports grow, with about 125 schools now participating.
Esports is more than just gaming—it’s a gateway to opportunities. Institutions like Hendrix College are leading the way, with one Northside student already earning a scholarship to compete there.
“A lot of our in-state schools are currently offering scholarships to go and play esports games at the college level,” said Michael Beaumont, Fort Smith’s director of athletics and activities.
Beyond scholarships, esports teaches life lessons. Students learn to handle adversity, practice discipline, and work as a team.
“Athletics itself is supposed to teach us things, all kinds of life lessons, whether it’s on the field or in front of a computer,” Beaumont said.
Edmonson has seen his players grow as leaders and individuals.
“One of my players who’s been with us for a very long time, not only was able to have a speech prepared for some of the other players in the back room today, but also was able to really express himself in ways that we frankly, can’t see in other ways,” he said.
The rise of esports also opens doors to careers in gaming, coding, graphic design, and content creation. Northside streams its matches on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, giving students experience in media production.
“We’re actively trying to expand even those streaming services we provide here,” Edmonson said.
For parents skeptical about gaming, Edmonson has a message: “Esports is here to stay. We’re the fastest-growing sports out there.”
He encourages families to support students interested in esports, noting that middle schools in Fort Smith are now launching programs.
