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Esports

Esports

Program information (Proposed)

SCHOOL ESPORTS INFORMATION

League
TBD

Mascot
Cougar

School Colors
Blue/White

Schedules
WMS Calendar

Roster
TBD

  • The league that WMS Esports would elect to join for the 2025 Spring Season is the Washington State Scholastic Esports Association (WSSEA). 

  • The proposed title for a 2025 Spring Season is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch platform.

  • Students interested in participating in the WSD pilot program will need to submit a permission slip signed by their parent or guardian before they may participate in tryouts or the pilot program. The permission slip may be downloaded below. Completed permission slips may be printed and turned in to Mr. Colombia or submitted by email at: ecolombia@warden.wednet.edu

Warden Middle School Esports: Celebrating Our Inaugural Year

  • In the heart of our district, an idea took root—an idea that would step outside traditional extracurricular activities and step into the exhilarating world of esports. With the approval and support of the school board, Director of Technology - Mr. Kottong, and Principal Lembcke, and under Mr. Colombia’s direction, our collective determination transformed that idea into a thriving reality that steered us toward success.

  • Our journey unfolded in two distinct seasons. First came the Winter Blitz—an off-season filled with practice, camaraderie, and the thrill of discovery. No playoffs, no pressure—just a chance for our players to hone their skills and get their feet wet.

    Then, spring arrived, bringing with it the intensity of playoffs and finals. Pedro N., Raul R., and Ryan P.—all stars in their own right—qualified for the playoffs. However, it was Ryan P., our indomitable champion, who blazed a trail to the quarterfinals. His dedication, prowess, and unwavering dedication made us all proud and brought the players together as a team.

  • But that wasn’t all. Within our district, a groundswell of excitement emerged. Mr. Colombia personally reached out to every middle school across the NCESD and neighboring districts, sparking interest and rallying support to host the first ever regional middle school esports tournament. Richland, Nespelem, and Connell accepted the invitation, converging on our campus for the first in-person Middle School Esports Tournament in Washington State. History was made, and our students stood at the forefront.

  • Let’s shine the spotlight on our remarkable players—the true stars of our digital arena:

    • Ryan P. (Sniper Potato): Our King Dedede main, Ryan P., wielded his hammer with ruthless finesse. His victory in the tournament kept the trophy right here in Warden.
    • Iori E. (Soul Samus): Always clad in the black and gold suit, Iori E. brought unrelenting firepower to our team as Samus.
    • Carter R. (Swééps): Carter R.‘s Bowser was an unyielding force, disrupting opponents’ strategies.
    • Diego O. (R.O.B.): Diego O., a master of precision, wielded R.O.B. like a finely tuned machine, adapting flawlessly to nearly every situation.
    • Carolina S. (Pyra/Mythra): Agile and lethal, Carolina S. gracefully wielded the dual blades of Pyra and Mythra.
    • Pedro N. (Lucina): Pedro N.'s Lucina was a sword-wielding marvel, striking with precision.

  • As we reflect on this remarkable journey, let’s put our hands together—to everyone who played a part:

    • The Players: Your hard work, sportsmanship, and dedication fueled our success.
    • Players’ Families: Thank you for supporting your students’ passions.
    • Connell, Richland, and Nespelem: Advocacy knows no boundaries.
    • Principal Lembcke: Your unwavering belief in our students made it all possible.
    • Technology and Maintenance Departments: The unsung heroes behind the scenes.
    • PAWS: Facilitating opportunities for our students.
    • Volunteers and Supporters: You’re the heartbeat of our community.


    Thank you. Your contributions have forever changed the game in supporting students to showcase their effort, spirit, and dedication in new ways. In that spirit let's celebrate the achievements of our esports stars and honor the collaborative spirit that defines us.

  • Tournament Information

    Permission slips

What is esports?
Competitive gaming, or eSports is a subsection of the video game industry wherein players compete for cash, prizes, sponsorships, and fame much in the same ways professional sports athletes do but on a digital playing field. The global gaming industry saw revenue of $184.5 billion in 2022 with a revenue forecast of $583.69 billion for 2030. Esports global revenue for 2022 was $1.38 billion with a projected $5.74 billion for 2030. The industry continues to become increasingly profitable as mainstream media monetizes more video game IPs.

  • When talking about an esports player, we are referring to the broadest possible sense. Anyone that plays competitively against others in a game on a computer, console, or other device can be considered an esports player. This document focuses on organized esports, and skill level is not important in this context. The contents of this page can apply to everyone, from beginners to professional players.

  • The Warden School District recognizes the opportunities and positive impacts competitive gaming can provide students. In April of 2023, the WSD school board approved an eSports Pilot Program for the secondary schools. The program aims at the following goals:

    1. Involvement. To increase student involvement in school activities by providing more diverse opportunities for students to participate.
    2. Engagement. To provide opportunities for meaningful engagement for students.
    3. Life Skills. To facilitate students developing skills to help students in multiple facets of their lives. Skills such as personal skills like goal-setting, problem-solving, and perseverance or teamwork, communication, and building self-confidence.
    4. Education opportunities. To provide a unique after-school experience for students who may not typically participate in other sports or activities, incorporating curriculum and competition to improve GPA and attendance, subsequently boosting student eligibility for lucrative esports scholarships.
    5. Career opportunities. To introduce students to a rapidly expanding global industry by imparting marketable skills and connecting STEM principles to students' passions.

  • Social and emotional learning. “SEL was recognized as one important benefit of involving students in esports in a school-affiliated and mentored way”, School engagement. ”It is just such students – those who have yet to find a meaningful connection to their school – who may benefit most from alternative sports like esports”.

    The Rise of High School Esports: A Landscape Analysis of US Programs. Jason G. Reitman University of California – Irvine

  • Which characters will be available?
    All of the characters from the base game will be available plus characters from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Fighters Pass Vol. 1 & 2 and Piranha Plant.

    Will other games be available in the future?
    At this time, no one can say. While the title selected for the pilot program is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the competitive titles offered by many leagues may include: Brawlhalla, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Rocket League, Splatoon 3, and of course Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.