OKCPS students kick off inaugural all-city esports tournament

Late last month, Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) students gathered at the Oklahoma City University (OCU) Starcade for the district’s inaugural All-City esports Tournament.

When asked why she wanted to get involved in esports, Southeast High School freshman Camila Gomez said, “I really like playing games and I thought it would be a lot of fun to give it a try, [and] make new friends along the way.” During the tournament, Camila’s mom Maria Gomez could be seen cheering her daughter on while she played Super Smash Brothers. “What else can I say as a mom; I am proud of her,” Maria said. 

Thanks to a partnership with OCU, students representing each of the 12 OKCPS high schools met to compete in Super Smash Brothers and Rocket League. Super Smash Brothers is played one on one and Rocket League is played in teams of three. 

Super Smash Brothers

3rd: Classen SAS High School at Northeast

2nd: US Grant High School

1st: Classen SAS High School at Northeast

Rocket League

3rd: Classen SAS High School at Northeast

2nd: Southeast High School

1st: US Grant High School

“We’re very thankful for the leaders at US Grant High School and Putnam Heights Academy who piloted this program last year. In August of 2021, OKCPS was able to establish an esports team at every one of our high schools,” said OKCPS Deputy Superintendent Jason Brown. “Nationwide, universities are offering scholarships and degree paths in the area of gaming and esports. This is an amazing opportunity for our students that allows them to learn skills that will further their careers or degree programs.”

“We have about 250 students participating in esports across the district and that number grows each and every day,” said Putnam Heights Academy Principal Shane Nelson. “I want to give a big thank you to OCU for hosting us today and for putting on an incredible esports camp this summer that helped prepare our coaches. You’re helping change our kids’ lives in a really unique way and we appreciate you.”

Esports is competitive organized video gaming, recently sanctioned by the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA). Esports supports developmental growth in students, including communication and leadership skills. Participation in esports can also help students handle stress, make tough decisions, commit to a process, and work collaboratively. Esports provides a team environment to a new group of students that may not fit into other areas where teamwork is necessary for success.

Learn more about OKCPS esports at www.okcps.org/esports.