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LAUREL — Controllers, strategy, and school pride are powering Laurel-Concord-Coleridge’s growing Esports program this fall.
Esports, short for “electronic sports,” refers to competitive, organized video gaming. Players or teams face off in structured tournaments that mirror traditional sports — only the playing field exists inside a video game. Success still depends on skill, strategy and teamwork.
The fall season began Sept. 15, marking LCC’s third year competing in Esports through the Nebraska Schools Esports Association. More than 100 schools statewide now participate.
This season’s games are Marvel Rivals, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and online Chess.
Marvel Rivals is a team-based, six-on-six hero shooter. LCC’s roster includes Shane Langford, Tyrelle Sims, Benjamin Pico-Towne, Oscar Salas, Hunter Benson, Owen Johnson, Alex Allison, Trystan Sims and Paul Allison. The team is off to a 4-0 start and eyeing the school’s first Esports state title.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a Nintendo fighting game, features solo competitors. Representing LCC are Craig Karnes, Mara Droppers, Jacob Kolar, Kyler Hangman and Trystan Sims. Kolar is undefeated at 4-0 in his first year, while Karnes, a senior, is 3-1 and hoping for his first state appearance.
In Chess, played through Chess. com using 10-minute blitz matches, competitors must think and move quickly. Langford, Sims and Paul Allison are on this team. Langford is 4-0, seeking a second straight state berth, while Sims stands at 3-1.
Online matches are played weekly at the high school using Swiss scheduling, which pairs teams based on previous results. The seven-week regular season concludes Oct. 30, with playoffs starting Nov. 3. The state tournament is Nov. 21-22.
