Why should you consider Esports?
Skill development: Decision making, strategic thinking, cognitive abilities, multitasking
Teamwork & Communication: Most of these titles are team-based, requiring the ability to work together and communicate.
Career Opportunities: Esports is a rising and evolving industry, offering opportunities in casting, coaching, management, content creation, and even organization within the Esports community.
Scholarships and Recognition: Many schools offer scholarships as recognition of this skill set. This can offer academic opportunities and provide students with recognition for their talents.
Stress Relief/Mental Well-being: This is also a form of entertainment and when done in moderation it can provide you with a chance to relax, unwind, connect with and make friends with whom you have a shared interest.
Exposure & Adaptation to Technology: Technology is a fast moving concept in today's world and exposure through Esports provides that exposure. Staying up-to-date with current technology will prepare you for changes in our digital future.
Who is the head coach and who are the athletic directors?
Head Coach: Nikolai Curtis
Blair Barksdale & Roderick Hill: Athletic Directors
Is this a club or actual varsity sport?
Esports is a GHSA sponsored varsity sport. It has the same rules of competition as designated by GHSA and yes, you can earn a letter by participating on the team and satisfying the requirements for earning a letter based upon the guidelines of Midtown's athletic department. Further information can be found on GHSA's website, which is listed below.
Does it cost anything to participate?
There are no expected dues to participate in the program. We rely on fundraising to support us. The platform that we use, PlayVS, is free to all students. Most of the games in which we participate are free-to-play games.
Do I have to be an "expert" player to be on the team?
No, you do not have to be an expert or experienced player. We will help you learn the game in which you are interested. This is part of the process of becoming proficient at any activity. However, highly proficient players will selected for our state-level competitions. You should be in the higher achievement brackets (Champion, Grand-Champion, etc.) if you want to be considered for those teams.
In what games do we compete?
Currently, we have multiple choices of games to play, with others being added as we build the program.
Chess - 1 player
Hearthstone - 1 player
League of Legends - 5 player team
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - 4 player team
Marvel Rivals - 6 player team
Pokemon Unite - 5 player team
Rocket League - 3 player team
Rocket League - 2 player team
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate - 3 player team
Splatoon 3 - 4 player team
Street Fighter 6 - 3 player team
How do we play with our team members?
We participate using the PlayVS platform. For those who are interested and receive approval from our athletic director, you will sign up for an account and then be approved by me. You may go to the PlayVS site to learn more information, however, do not sign up for an account until I start figuring out the rosters. Currently, we play most games on PC. Nintendo Switch titles require
What are your expectations as the coach?
Just as in any sport at Midtown, you are expected to be the following:
An enrolled student in good standing at Midtown. Your grades and behavior must meet the expected criteria of APS to participate along with my coaching expectations.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship with your team members and opponents. Toxic behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstance. This is in compliance with GHSA, Midtown, and my expectations regarding good sportsmanship. Bad winners are worse than poor losers.
When do we practice and compete?
Competitions will be scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the actual seasons (spring and fall). Please plan accordingly for those days based upon the game that you representing. Members are expected to be present at all times, even if you are an alternate.
Will there only be one team for each type of game or will you have multiple squads?
There will be one state level team and the potential of multiple regional teams. The state level team will be considered the varsity team. Regional teams could be considered a JV level team, however, there is no official JV designation for the program.
When the school year begins I will provide a link to a survey on this page for students provide the appropriate information. Please do not email me, the athletic director, or members of the administration randomly.
PlayVS: You must create an account and register with the platform in order to be eligible.
DragonFly: You must create an account (which is done by your parents) and upload all appropriate documentation in order to become a clear and eligible participant. This must be done.
Schoology: We use this platform as a secure means of communication. While we could use others (Discord, Groupme, etc.), this is approved by APS.