On Saturday, December 2, GCISD hosted its third annual Esports Rocket League Tournament. More than 40 teams from middle and high schools across Texas participated in the event, with $10,000 in donated prizes on the line. These student gamers joined together at Grapevine High School to compete against one another in many different video games.
GCISD Executive Director of Technology Dwight Goodwin said, “The Rocket League gamers will not get this quality of in-person tournament play until they reach the collegiate level.”
The event was hosted in partnership with Vanta Texas League. Alienware, a maker of gaming equipment, a subsidiary of Dell, loaned demo devices for the tournament.
“Gamers were impressed with the gaming machines and door prizes donated by our vendors,” Goodwin added. “GCISD puts on one of the premiere tournaments in the state.”
GCISD offers esports classes at Colleyville Heritage High School, Grapevine High School and the district’s middle schools. The classes teach students how to be good teammates, effective communicators, and strategic thinkers, all while they learn more about the esports industry.
The tournament came to a surprising conclusion when players all over the world were interrupted by a pre-arranged live virtual performance by hip-hop artist Eminem within the game, Fortnite. The tournament will now shift to an online format and the championship match will be streamed live on December 14.
GCISD Chief Technology Officer Kyle Berger said, “Over the past six years, GCISD has been at the forefront of the esports movement, continuously opening doors for students. Our annual tournament has not only stood the test of time but has flourished year after year. The joy and anticipation surrounding these events reach new heights as we witness the growing enthusiasm among our students.”
Congratulations to all students for participating in this year's Esports Rocket League Tournament!