USA TODAY Sports, part of USA TODAY Co., Inc. (NYSE: TDAY) and PlayVS, North America’s leading scholastic and collegiate gaming platform, announced the official launch of the USA TODAY Sports National High School Esports Championship. The event builds on the momentum of the USA TODAY SUPER 25 Esports Rankings, launched by USA TODAY Sports and PlayVS in 2024, to recognize North America’s top high school esports teams. As part of USA TODAY Sports’ expanding commitment to high school sports, the esports championship provides a national platform to spotlight student-athletes, celebrate emerging competition, and showcase the communities, schools and stories driving the next generation of sports.
The round-robin tournament will feature eight of the nation’s top high school esports teams competing in three games on the PlayVS platform: EA Sports Madden NFL, Marvel Rivals and Rocket League. Qualifying schools met evaluation criteria, which included game-winning percentages in those three games and number of graduating seniors, reviewed by PlayVS during the 2026 Spring esports season.
Tournament play kicks off on Monday, Oct. 12. Results across the three games will contribute to team standings, with the top two teams facing off in the National Championship on Friday, Dec. 11. The winning team, crowned the first-ever USA TODAY Sports National High School Esports Champion, will continue to compete throughout the spring, calling for other top high school and collegiate challengers in the inaugural USA TODAY Sports Challenger Series.
Following USA TODAY Sports’ storied franchise of individual recognition, an ALL-USA Team will be selected from the eight competing throughout the tournament. At the conclusion of the tournament, USA TODAY Sports will announce both the inaugural National High School Esports Champion and the ALL-USA Esports Team on the USA TODAY High School Sports National Hub, supported by comprehensive multimedia coverage across video and editorial platforms.
“For decades, USA TODAY Sports has recognized the nation’s top high school athletes and teams through the Super 25 and ALL-USA franchises. Now, we're bringing that same spotlight to esports,” said Alicia DelGallo, USA TODAY Network sports editorial director. “These students compete at an elite level while representing their schools and communities. The National High School Esports Championship gives them a national stage and extends a trusted USA TODAY Sports tradition to a new generation of athletes and fans.”
“We are excited to expand our relationship with USA TODAY Sports and build on its work to elevate esports alongside other high school sports,” said Jonathan Boswell, CEO of PlayVS. “This new competition will bring national recognition to outstanding programs and student-athletes. We couldn’t be more excited to showcase their talent, dedication and school pride.”
Brands interested in sponsoring USA TODAY Sports National High School Esports Championship should contact Jon Fador at JFador@usatodayco.com.
About USA TODAY Co., Inc.:
USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. Our mission is to inspire, inform, and connect audiences. As a media and digital marketing solutions company we are focused on sustainable growth. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver trusted unbiased journalism when and where consumers want it. LocaliQ, our digital marketing solutions brand, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.
About USA TODAY Sports:
USA TODAY Sports has been the cornerstone of sports news and reporting across the country since 1982. Through USA TODAY, we deliver high-quality, trusted sports content with a commitment to unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Among one of the most-visited sports outlets in the U.S., USA TODAY Sports reaches a digital audience of approximately 38 million unique visitors each month (based on June 2026 Comscore Media Metrix®). We believe our passion for football, soccer, basketball, youth sports, high school sports, women's sports, boxing, golf, NASCAR and beyond makes our comprehensive multi-media content the best in the nation.
About PlayVS:
PlayVS is North America’s leading scholastic and collegiate gaming platform, helping students unlock the educational, social, and personal benefits of competitive gaming. The company brings together students, coaches, educators, and schools through structured, education-aligned competition and curriculum across K-12 and college. PlayVS is the official esports partner of the NFHS Network, the Special Olympics, and state and regional organizations across the U.S. To learn more, visit playvs.com.
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