by Daniel Rolo, OFSEA co-founder
Esports, also known as electronic sports or competitive video gaming, has been growing in popularity around the world in recent years. This trend has also been seen in Ontario, where scholastic esports programs are being implemented in schools at an increasing rate.
One of the main drivers of the growth of esports in Ontario is the recognition of its potential as a tool for education. Many schools are using esports programs to engage students and promote skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. In addition, esports can be used to teach students about computer science, programming, and other technical subjects.
Another factor contributing to the growth of scholastic esports in Ontario is the increasing availability of resources and support for these programs. There are now several organizations, such as the Ontario Federation of School Esports Association (OFSEA), that provide resources and support for schools looking to start esports programs. OFSEA even hosts esports tournaments for middle school and high school students, providing a platform for them to showcase their skills and compete against other students from around the province!
The rapid growth of esports in Ontario is also being driven by the increasing popularity of esports at the professional level. With major tournaments being broadcast on television and streaming platforms, esports has gained a significant following and is now considered a legitimate form of competition. This increased visibility has helped to further legitimize esports at the scholastic level, as more and more students become interested in pursuing careers in the industry.
Overall, the growth of scholastic esports in Ontario has been rapid and shows no signs of slowing down. With the recognition of its educational benefits and the increasing availability of resources and support, it is likely that we will continue to see esports programs being implemented in schools across the province in 2023.
Comments