You may think video games are a fun way to enjoy time with friends or fill time in between a busy schedule. But they can be so much more than that. Believe it or not, video games can be competitive. Competitive gaming has seen a major uptick in the past decade and especially now. Ranging from professional competitions with major prizes down to local tournaments played for pure enjoyment. Competitive gaming has recently found its way into Northview via the Esports team. 

The team has had a successful season under coach Aaron Hassell. They competed at the Esports Ohio Regional competition at Ohio Northern University on May 6 and were able to achieve state qualifications in the Overwatch and Mario Smash Bros competitions. The Rocket League team also advanced to the regional semi finals. 

On May 20, the team faced their toughest competition in the Esports Ohio state championship. The tournament was put on by the Akron Esports team and the competition was the best in the state. The teams of Overwatch and Mario Smash Bros both played well in the round robin format advancing to bracket play. Unfortunately, both squads lost tightly contested battles. 

The team is led by a group of students ranging from all grade levels and all skillsets. The members of the state tournament team included seniors Andrew Martin, Devon Medley, and Raymond Flowers, freshmen, Jon and Ryan Butera, and sophomore Antonio Roth. Each one of these competitors has had an important role in the success of the team.

Ohio Esports is a growing competition and has only gotten bigger throughout the past few years. This was the Esports team’s first trip to Akron for the state competition. However, with ever expanding growth, players and coaches are hoping it will not be the last.