E-sports Excitement

Kyle Bautista plays a sport. He started when he was 14 years old. He practices with his teammates and competes in tournaments.

But Kyle’s team doesn’t meet in a gym or on a field. Kyle plays e-sports, or competitive video gaming, for his high school in Oswego, Illinois. They play a game called League of Legends.

Kyle, now 18, joined the team when he was a freshman. Before he joined the team, he had never played e-sports. “I went in knowing that I loved playing video games,” he says. “A competitive team was a fun new step.”

Since Kyle joined the team, e-sports have really taken off. More than 1,200 schools have registered e-sports teams. About 200 colleges offer scholarships to e-sports players. But to some, the idea of e-sports sounds strange. People are often confused when Kyle’s coach, Amy Whitlock, mentions e-sports.

Kyle Bautista plays a sport. He practices with teammates. He also competes in tournaments.

But Kyle’s team doesn’t meet in a gym. They don’t play on a field. Kyle plays e-sports. This is competitive video gaming. Kyle plays for his high school in Oswego, Illinois. They play a game called League of Legends.

Kyle joined the team when he was a freshman. He was 14 years old then. Now he is 18. He had never played e-sports before. “I knew I loved playing video games,” he says. “A team was a fun new step.”

E-sports have really grown in recent years. More than 1,200 schools have e-sports teams. About 200 colleges offer scholarships to e-sports players.

“I explain that the players are not just video game players. They’re athletes,” she says. Whitlock coaches her team to work together during games. She also gives them mental exercises to help them focus while competing.

“E-sports can be for everyone,” Whitlock says. Unlike traditional sports, teams aren’t separated by gender. Any student can join the team and become a strong player. E-sports also help kids who might struggle to fit in, Whitlock says. “It gives them a reason to connect with the people around them.”

Kyle, now a senior, agrees. “E-sports will explode in the near future,” he says. “It’s the next big thing.”

Kyle’s coach is Amy Whitlock. When Whitlock mentions e-sports, people can be confused. “I explain that the players are not just video game players. They’re athletes,” she says. Whitlock coaches her team to work together. She also gives them mental exercises. This helps them focus during competitions.

“E-sports are for everyone,” Whitlock says. Unlike traditional sports, teams aren’t separated by gender. Any student can join. Everyone can become a strong player. E-sports also help kids who might struggle to fit in, Whitlock says. “It helps them connect with the people around them.”

Kyle, now a senior, agrees. “E-sports will explode in the near future,” he says. “It’s the next big thing.”