Esports

Esports at TPS

Esports is competitive video gaming as an athletic program in schools.

Similar to teams in traditional sports like basketball or soccer, esports teams in high and middle schools compete in organized leagues, tournaments and championships locally and statewide. Esports is recognized by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

Esports in Tacoma Public Schools

  • For students in grades 6-12 at most schools.
  • Students must register using the Compass app.
  • Coaches run regular after-school practices during the fall and spring esports seasons.
  • Middle School is run in partnership with the Club B after school program and will be run as a sport, competing with other schools throughout the state.
  • There is a short 4-week non-competitive winter season that is held at the coach's discretion.

Popular games

Popular esports titles include Valorant, Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Brawlhalla, Super Smash Bros., Street Fighter 6 and several others. These games are chosen for their balance of strategy, teamwork, and student accessibility.

2025-26 Session Details

What are the benefits of esports for students?

Esports help students develop essential skills like teamwork, communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. They also foster inclusivity, build confidence, and can lead to scholarship and career opportunities in fields like gaming, broadcasting, and technology.