Work Hard, Play Hard. Esports Athletes

Enjoy the Ride

Michigan High School Esports League held the Spring 2023 Championship matches for three league game titles at Western Michigan University Esports Arena to wrap up the season, April 29. The event welcomed more than 160 attendees – with 80+ students – from across the state. Guests and spectators included teams from the league, MHSEL Prep (Middle School esports), partners, college/university scouts, parents, principals, board members and more.

The action-packed day included semi-finals for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a Solo Bronco Smash Tournament and three intense championship matches for League of Legends, Rocket League and SSBU that were shoutcasted and broadcasted live on WMU Esports Twitch channel.

The student athletes not only competed in MHSEL’s largest season yet, with 93 schools enrolling 380 competing teams and more than 1,340 students engaged, they played in the largest high school esports league offered in Michigan.

“Our student athletes consider the in-person finals to be the pinnacle of their experiences in esports. This event was no exception,” said Aaron Strager, Bloomfield Hills High School Coach. “It brings a sense of excitement and school pride that wouldn’t be as heightened in an online competition.”

Many students joined esports to be a part of a team, meet others in the esports community, and pursue it further into college.

“Esports gives students who may not normally have a strong connection to the school [an opportunity to] get involved in a big way,” said Coach Mark Darket from Belleville High School. “Esports is more than just video games. Esports is about connecting, competing, and collaborating. Our teams develop skills that will be in demand in the workforce like adaptability, communication, and problem solving.”