On Saturday, March 16, the Kern High School District hosted over 200 Esports student-athletes in a fierce competition of Overwatch 2.
The tournament was buzzing with excitement as students from over 20 school sites came together in a thrilling Esports battle.
"Esports has been a great opportunity to reach out to many students who wanted to be involved in school but weren’t athletic or didn’t have any other school programs that appealed to them," shared Justin Smith, Esports coach at North High School. "By running the KHSD Esports League, we were able to bring out these students’ competitive nature and make them part of a team that played for their school against other KHSD schools."
Through the support and dedication of their coaches, Esport student-athletes have a platform to showcase their unique talents. The program extends beyond gaming as it instills the same values that athletics teaches such as communication, teamwork, planning, school spirit, dedication, and camaraderie.
“Honestly, the biggest part of it for me is team building, said Bakersfield High School senior, Jackson Christenson. “I like that we can play as a team and work on strategies.”
Now in its sixth year of competition, the KHSD Esports League stands as one of the nation's largest high school district-run Esports Leagues. During the Varsity showdown, spectators were treated to a stadium-style experience complete with an LED wall backdrop.
Congratulations to West High School for being named Grand Champions!
Results:
Varsity Renegade Division
1. Centennial High School
2. East Bakersfield High School
3. Bakersfield High School
1. Centennial High School
2. East Bakersfield High School
3. Bakersfield High School
Varsity Roadrunner Division
1. West High School
2. Independence High School
3. Ridgeview High School
1. West High School
2. Independence High School
3. Ridgeview High School
JV Renegade Division
1. Centennial High School
2. Bakersfield Christian High School
3. East High School
1. Centennial High School
2. Bakersfield Christian High School
3. East High School
JV Roadrunner Division
1. West High School
2. North High School
3. Ridgeview High School
1. West High School
2. North High School
3. Ridgeview High School
Frosh/Soph Tournament
1. West High School
2. Centennial High School FS1
3. Centennial High School FS2
1. West High School
2. Centennial High School FS1
3. Centennial High School FS2