Esports is competitive organized video gaming.

Esports supports developmental growth in students.  Students learn communication and leadership skills.  Esports can help students handle stress, make tough decisions, commit to a process, and work collaboratively.  

OKCPS is sponsoring all middle and high schools. Elementary schools do not participate in esports.  Students must be academically eligible to compete.

No.  Esports athletes compete together.  Age, race, gender, and disability make no difference in the esports arena.  Esports provides a great opportunity for students from all walks of life to come together for a common purpose.

OKCPS never wants cost to be a barrier to students participating in school activities.  Each high school will have the necessary equipment for students to participate.  No personal equipment is necessary.  Some students may choose to practice at home on a personal computer or a Nintendo Switch.  Most tournaments are free to enter. 

OKCPS is focused on making sure games are age appropriate. OKCPS Middle and High Schools compete head-to-head in Fall and Spring Seasons with games chosen by the OKCPS esports coordinator and individual school coaches. Chosen games represent a variety of play, from beginner to expert level.

No.  OKCPS is providing all equipment needed. 

Yes.  We are participating with schools all over Oklahoma in the Oklahoma E Sports League (OESL).

Yes.  There is a fall season and a spring season in esports.  Both seasons last approximately 3 months.  Different games are focused on during different seasons.

Yes.  Coaches will hold practice for at least 3 hours per week during season play.  During practice, students learn teamwork and prepare for the next competition.  Practice will happen after school in most cases.

Yes.  They play other schools all over the state from their home campus computers and Nintendo Switches.  Competitions are held weekly.

Yes.  We have a goal of participating in a tournament each semester.  Tournaments will be in-state.

Families will be expected to provide transportation for students to get home after practices, and to and from school for competitions. However, each school will provide transportation to tournaments.

There is no cost to play in weekly competitions.  Most tournaments are free.  On occasion, it may cost $5 to enter an event at a tournament.

Having a computer or a Switch at home can help, but it is not necessary. Schools provide the time and equipment necessary to compete and every school will have a coach to support their students. Teamwork is more often the deciding factor in a close match than individual skill. 

Yes.  Over 300 universities have esports teams.  Local and national universities offer esports major and minor degrees.  Degrees offered include esports management, esports and gaming, etc.

Yes.  One university  offers $150,000/year in esports scholarships.  Universities all over the country are adding esports scholarships.  Esports university coaches are using their resources to help students get scholarships in other areas to keep them competing at their home campuses as well.

The top 95 esports players in the world all make in excess of $1 million/year. The average professional player may make around $60,000/year.

Yes.  There is a need for many different types of career paths in this field, to include:  Esports Coordinator, Event Planner/Manager, Media Planner, Coach, Recruiter, Esports Manager, Sports Broadcaster, Social Marketing Manager, Advertising/Sponsorship Director, Shoutcaster/Gaming Commentator, Marketing Manager, Esports Community Manager, Media Manager, Video Analyst, Esports Video Editor, Insights Analyst, Travel Manager, Producer, Brand Manager.