October 7, 2026

Round–robin tournament will feature eight teams from around the country

USA TODAY Sports, part of USA TODAY Co., Inc. (NYSE: TDAY) and PlayVS, North America’s leading scholastic and collegiate gaming platform, today 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, October 12. Results across the three games will contribute to team standings, with the top two teams facing off in the National Championship on Friday, December 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.