New London, IA- The world of sports continues to evolve beyond the just the physical landscape at the high school level, but to the digital scene as well. Esports has exploded onto the scene ever since the first recorded video game tournament in 1972 was held at Stanford University.
The world of video games has taken on a whole subset of culture with different professional leagues for specific games such Overwatch or League of Legends and streaming platforms providing popularity for watching streamers leisurely or professionally perform.
With the rapid development of the Esports arena, Iowa High Schools saw an opportunity to get more students involved in the growing space. The result was the creation of the Iowa High School Esport Association (IAHSEA) in 2019, which is recognized by both the IHSAA and IGHSAU. The timing could not have been better placed.
As COVID-19 in 2020 resulted in lockdowns and a shutdown of in-person interactions, people were still looking for ways to connect with one another and one of those avenues was through online gaming. One of the schools to establish their Esports program during this time was New London.
Despite the virtual aspect of the sport, it behaves like any other sport season with different games being played at different times of the year: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Rainbow 6 Siege during the fall, Overwatch 2 and Rocket League in the winter, and Mario Kart 8, Valorant, and Marvel Rivals in the spring.
The Tigers, led by head coach Cory Reid, has experienced success since the inception of the program with multiple state tournament appearances in Marshalltown. Just recently, New London improved upon their 3rd place finish for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate last year to a silver medal performance this year and consecutive state trips to Rainbow 6 Siege for the fall.
Last winter, the Tigers finished in 4th place for Rocket League and they will be looking to make the state tournament for both Overwatch 2 and Rocket League this winter season as this week marks the final week of the regular season.
New London has handled business thus far this week, sweeping Central Springs on Monday in Rocket League and North Fayette Valley yesterday in Overwatch 2. The squad for Rocket League also sits atop the Class 1A East Standings with a perfect 6-0 record.
As the popularity continues to grow for Esports, New London will look to continue their perennial trips to the state tournament in Marshalltown.