eSports
A Community within a Community: How and why schools should start eSports programs
By Aaron Addison, LG Business Solutions USA
While most teachers and educators are aware of the eSports phenomenon and its ever expanding popularity, many remain unfamiliar with all the benefits an eSports program can offer to both students and schools themselves. Moreover, some educators looking to introduce eSports programs feel overwhelmed and in the dark about how to get started.
In the modern era, schools are expected to not only offer their students new ways to connect and learn, but also to future-proof their curriculums with the most up-to-date programs. eSports is a great way to tackle both.
eSports programs help students grow academically and socially
Gaming and eSports present students with many positive influences and opportunities. Through eSports, kids as young as middle school age can learn how to collaborate and expand their network of friends. Sometimes students who struggle to make friends through traditional sports join an eSports team, and suddenly they have their own group. Also, eSports can help students acquire new skill sets, including a better understanding of analytics and how to win and lose gracefully. The hope is students will take these essential skills with them through the rest of their academic careers and into their adult lives.
Additionally, eSports is a genuinely inclusive experience where gender, age, race, intellect level and background don’t matter. Pretty much anyone interested can join an eSports team and participate in competitions. The focus of eSports is really on having fun, and if students enjoy what they’re doing, they’re more likely to learn and want to continue coming back.
Once students graduate from high school and move on to college, they can choose to take advantage of the many scholarship opportunities available to eSports players. The National Association of Collegiate Esports estimates that more than 170 U.S. colleges have eSports programs offering around $16 million per year in scholarships. If students open the door to eSports and work on developing the skills they need to be good players, they will ultimately be exposed to more opportunities down the line.
New curriculums and offerings allow schools to stand out
Similarly, schools that dedicate the right technology and direction to developing eSports programs will see exciting returns. While some parents and educators still tend to think that video games are a negative distraction, that’s simply not the truth. eSports and online gaming have exploded from a cottage industry to a legitimate and exciting way school educators, superintendents, and university presidents can put their institutions ahead of the curve. Furthermore, since 2018, more than 8,600 high schools have started video-gaming teams.[1]
A great way to get started with an eSports program is to dedicate space and have an environment where the students feel like it’s theirs. Just like the football field or soccer stadium, this is their space where the team practices and gets better at what they do. Without a designated space, eSports players can lose the communication, collaboration and leadership opportunities that make gaming such a positive activity. In terms of technology, don’t be afraid to start small. Many eSports programs don’t require a considerable investment and consist of just a few monitors to begin with. At the other end of the spectrum, some of the larger eSports programs feature giant screens and sophisticated digital signage in arenas.
Along with the appropriate technology and environment, the most successful eSports programs are led by a passionate and engaged coach. Similar to traditional sports, students will perform best with a fun and energetic teacher guiding them. We’ve seen cases where schools have cutting-edge eSports technology and eager students, but without a strong leader, the eSports programs unfortunately struggle to be successful.
It’s essential that industry leaders and educators capture the mindset of children today to educate them properly. eSports is here, and it’s the future, so we need to embrace it with open arms and recognize its potential.
Aaron Addison is the in-house gaming expert for LG Business Solutions USA, a leading provider of advanced display technologies to the eSports industry.
[1] Flannery, Mary Ellen. “Esports See Explosive Growth in U.S. High Schools.” NEA, 16 Sept. 2021, https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/esports-see-explosive-growth-us-high-schools.
eSports
Thunderpick Partners with Oddin.gg and Introduces BetPeek, First Fully Interactive Esports Viewing Platform
Thunderpick, the leading esports betting platform, in partnership with Oddin.gg, a provider of end-to-end esports betting solutions, today announced the exclusive launch of BetPeek, a first-of-its-kind interactive esports viewing experience available only on Thunderpick.io.
While most esports streams today limit fans to static broadcast feeds and pre-selected camera angles, BetPeek flips the script. For the first time, viewers can control how they watch the action—transforming every match into a personalized, immersive event.
BetPeek’s key features include:
- Follow Any Player – Switch instantly to the POV of any competitor on the server.
- Dynamic Camera Control – Place the camera anywhere on the map for a unique vantage point.
- X-Ray Vision – Unlock strategic insights by seeing what players can’t.
- Play, Pause & Rewind – Revisit every clutch play with DVR-style controls.
- Integrated Betting Tools – Access deeper context and analysis to inform smarter wagers.
“Traditional esports streams have barely evolved; they’re often one-size-fits-all broadcasts that leave fans wishing for more control,” said Kelly Sanders, Head of Strategy at Thunderpick. “BetPeek completely changes that. By putting fans in the driver’s seat, we’re delivering an esports experience that’s not just more engaging, but truly revolutionary for bettors and spectators alike.”
Why It Matters
Until now, esports fans had little choice beyond passively watching standard tournament streams or fragmented co-streams. BetPeek represents the next era:Â an interactive, on-demand, and bet-integrated platform unlike anything else in the industry. For bettors, this means unprecedented visibility into momentum shifts, rotations, and player form. For fans, it’s a chance to experience the match exactly how they want.
Exclusive to Thunderpick
BetPeek is available only on Thunderpick.io, reinforcing Thunderpick’s position as the most innovative esports betting destination worldwide. In partnership with Oddin.gg, a global leader in esports betting solutions, Thunderpick continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in live, fan-first esports engagement.
The Global Esports Federation at its 16th Board Meeting approved the draft program for the Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games, to be held in December 2026. This follows the earlier announcement of Los Angeles as host city at a major ceremony hosted by Los Angeles Times Media Group Executive Chairman & CEO Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel—now marking a significant milestone on the road to GEF’s flagship event in the United States.
The GEF Board also unanimously elected Paul J. Foster as President of the Global Esports Federation. Paul, who is GEF Chief Executive Officer, was appointed President ad interim following the resignation of founding President Chris Chan in July, and now assumes the role of President & CEO through December 2027.
In addition, the GEF Board approved the establishment of frameworks to develop the esports ecosystem in the United States, anchored in Los Angeles. This initiative will strengthen the GEF’s connections with stakeholders worldwide and reinforce its mission to elevate esports for all.
The outcomes of GEF 16th Board Meeting reaffirm the GEF’s role as a convening platform, uniting athletes, publishers, Member Federations, and partners to power the future of esports globally.
- Team Vitality launches 2025 Alternate Jersey and an exclusive apparel collection, bringing a new level of energy and excitement for fans.
- The jersey, featuring a white base with red and blue accents, pays homage to the French flag and will be worn by all Team Vitality athletes at major esports events taking place in France later this year, including the Rocket League Worlds and EVO Nice.
- The Alternate Jersey is available today for €79.99, both online and at Team Vitality’s official Paris store.
Team Vitality is proud to unveil its new Alternate Jersey, accompanied by an exclusive apparel collection. This launch completes the club’s annual merchandise lineup, following the release of the black Pro Jersey earlier this year and the iconic yellow US-style Jersey worn during the Austin Major triumph.
This Alternate edition, featuring the French blue, white and red, honours Team Vitality’s Parisian roots while celebrating the major esports events set to close out the year in France.
The jersey will feature on the global stage with the Rocket League team at the World Championships from September 12 to 14.
PERFORMANCE MEETS LIFESTYLE
The Alternate Collection features a new, stylish jersey and a limited-edition clothing line that blends performance and lifestyle. As with every year, the Alternate Jersey is traditionally white, serving as a complement to the black Pro Jersey released earlier in the year.
Designed in collaboration with hummel, the jersey combines comfort and performance, offering a lightweight fit built to withstand the demands of competitive play. The accompanying exclusive apparel collection follows the same artistic vision, offering clothing and accessories designed for everyday wear. This brand-new lifestyle range, along with exclusive items, reflects the club’s distinctive style.
ALTERNATE JERSEY
- Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Jersey – €79.99
- Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Sleeves – €29.99
- Exclusive Vitality Alternate 2025 Pack – €79.99 (includes 1 Alternate Jersey and a complimentary pair of exclusive sleeves)
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LIFESTYLE COLLECTION
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Sweatshirt – €59.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 T-Shirt – €29.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Jacket – €69.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Joggers – €54.99
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ACCESSORIES
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Scarf – €19.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Flag – €24.99
- Collector Cards (set of 3 or 8 trading cards) – €5.99
- Mouse Pad (small / large) – €19.99 / €29.99
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