These Hudson Valley Schools Have Esports Teams

Now some Hudson Valley schools can dominate on the real football field and on the virtual field while playing Madden.

Right now students all over Dutchess County are trying out got their school's Esports team. Tryouts are being held at the Contender Esports facility in Wappingers Falls.

Video games have come a long way since I was a kid. When I was little it didn't get much better than 007 Goldeneye. I honestly remember thinking that it wouldn't get any better than that. Almost 30 years later that game still holds up but video games have certainly gotten better and much more popular. Esports is the fastest-growing participation activity for ages 12-21 globally. It has benefits to cognitive and social development, critical thinking, and problem-solving, improves hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking, and facilitates leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

Video gaming has become so popular that playing has now become a competitive sport for huge cash prizes. According to Statista, the cash prize pool for DOTA 2 tournament was around $32 million.

High school students don't compete for cash but they do get a trophy just like most other sports tournaments.

Contender Esports

Contender Esports in Wappingers Falls holds high school gaming tournaments and there are several schools in Dutchess County that surprising have Esports teams. Currently there are 8 confirmed schools in the leage.