In recent years, esports has evolved from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon, with millions of players, fans, and events drawing attention worldwide. Now, New Hampshire is stepping into the esports arena, with several schools across the state introducing esports programs as part of their varsity sports offerings. This shift marks an important milestone for high school and college athletics in the Granite State, as competitive gaming gains recognition as an official sport.
Esports, a term used to describe organized, multiplayer video game competitions, has experienced explosive growth in the last decade. It encompasses a wide range of video games, from first-person shooters like Counter-Strike and Overwatch to real-time strategy games like League of Legends and Fortnite. The level of competition can be intense, with players and teams competing for large prize pools, sponsorships, and a growing fan base. As these games have become more sophisticated and mainstream, the idea of treating esports as a legitimate sport has taken hold across schools, especially in the United States.
In New Hampshire, the move to make esports a varsity sport is driven by several factors. One of the most compelling reasons is the increasing popularity of video games among young people. According to industry reports, over 90% of American teens play video games, and the rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube has made competitive gaming more visible than ever before. This trend has caught the attention of school administrators who see esports as an opportunity to engage students in a new form of athletic competition while also fostering teamwork, strategy, and discipline.
Another driving factor behind New Hampshire’s embrace of esports is its potential to level the playing field for students who may not excel in traditional sports like football or basketball. Esports offers an inclusive and accessible option for students of various physical abilities and backgrounds. Unlike traditional sports, where physical attributes such as height or strength can play a significant role in success, esports allows students to compete based on skill, strategy, and communication. This inclusivity has led to a growing number of students who might otherwise not be involved in extracurricular activities now finding a place on their school’s varsity teams.
The launch of esports as a varsity sport in New Hampshire has been supported by the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA), which has worked to create a competitive framework for high schools across the state. The NHIAA has partnered with national organizations such as the High School Esports League (HSEL) and PlayVS, which provide infrastructure, competitive leagues, and resources to help schools organize and manage their esports programs. As of 2024, a number of high schools in New Hampshire have joined the growing list of schools offering esports teams, and many are planning to expand their programs in the coming years.
For New Hampshire colleges, esports has become a way to attract new students and provide scholarship opportunities. Schools like Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and New England College have already established esports programs, offering competitive teams and scholarships for top players. These colleges are also investing in state-of-the-art gaming facilities, further enhancing the appeal of their programs. As collegiate esports continues to grow, it’s expected that more New Hampshire institutions will follow suit, providing additional opportunities for students interested in pursuing gaming both at the competitive and academic levels.
As esports continues to gain momentum, its role in New Hampshire schools will only grow. Whether it’s fostering teamwork, improving critical thinking skills, or providing students with opportunities for scholarships and career development in the gaming industry, esports is becoming an increasingly important part of the educational landscape. With its fast-paced action, strategic depth, and broad appeal, esports is carving out a place for itself as the newest varsity sport in New Hampshire, and the state’s schools are excited to be a part of this exciting new chapter in sports.
