Columbia embraces the growth of esports

Jordan Smith, a 15-year-old student at Columbia High School, has finally found a team where he feels at home.

Though it’s far from a football field or basketball court, Smith competes in esports. He joins other teens across Columbia who spend hours each week honing their skills in the virtual arena.

“I’ve always been more into video games than sports,” Smith said. “With esports, I can still compete and be part of a team. It feels good to finally be recognized for something I love.”

Smith’s experience highlights the growing number of students who find community in gaming rather than traditional sports.

Smith’s story is part of a larger trend in Columbia, where esports is becoming a structured and supported activity. It provides students a new avenue to connect, compete, and develop skills beyond the screen. Esports clubs and teams are forming at schools, businesses and community centers that cater to students who don’t gravitate toward traditional athletics.

Esports viewership in the United States grew at a compound annual growth rate of 9% from 2021 to 2024, with estimates indicating that the audience reached 81 million in 2024, according to Statista. That reflects a national trend as schools begin implementing esports programs to diversify extracurricular options.

Institutions such as Columbia High School and the nearby Richland Library branch are starting to offer esports as a formal activity, according to Columbia High Athletic Director Jason Ward.

The esports team meets twice a week at Columbia High in a repurposed computer lab outfitted with high-performance gaming PCs and headsets. Students compete in games such as Rocket League, Valoran, and Super Smash Bros., with plans to add League of Legends next season.

Ward said the school sees esports as more than just a game — it’s a commitment. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA to participate and demonstrate consistent attendance in class. Students first check in with their academic advisor to confirm their eligibility before logging into team scrimmages and strategy sessions on practice days.

“Our goal is to help students grow as both players and people,” Ward said. “We want them to learn time management, teamwork and leadership — not just how to win matches.”

Columbia High sophomore Maya Williams, a second-year team member, said she didn’t think she’d ever be part of a school team.

“I wasn’t really into sports before this,” Williams said. “But here, I get to compete, make friends and even think about what I want to do in college. I’m looking into game design or maybe shoutcasting now.”

Shoutcasting, often described as the play-by-play commentary of competitive gaming, is a growing career path that blends broadcasting with esports analysis.

As esports continue to expand across Columbia, schools are working to ensure students have access to the resources they need. Advocates say the games help students balance their academic responsibilities while nurturing their passion for gaming.

Organizations such as the High School Esports League also facilitate student participation. The league provides structure, competitions and scholarship opportunities. The league partners with schools to build organized gaming programs. These initiatives allow students to compete in regional and national tournaments. Some universities are beginning to offer scholarships to outstanding players.

Ward believes the activity creates an inclusive environment.

“This is a way for students to bond who might not feel as connected through traditional sports,” Ward said. “We have students from all different backgrounds joining, and it’s really become a positive space for them.”

The growth of esports is also attracting local business interest. Gaming lounges such as School’s Out Gaming Lounge are capitalizing on the trend. They provide spaces for young gamers to gather, practice and compete.

“We’ve seen a noticeable uptick in younger players over the past couple of years,” employee Samantha Reid said. “These kids want to play competitively, and we’re happy to be a hub for that.”

Esports is no longer just a hobby – it’s a billion-dollar industry. Global esports revenue surpassed $1.6 billion in 2024, driven by significant growth in viewership, sponsorships and new revenue streams, according to Legal Esports. Tournament prize pools often climb into the millions. The growth signals potential opportunities for Columbia’s youth, from scholarships to professional gaming careers.

As esports gain legitimacy, they’re also becoming a bridge to higher education. Colleges across the country, including the University of South Carolina, are beginning to recognize competitive gaming experience in admissions and scholarships.

Plus, more than 200 U.S. colleges offer esports programs, some with dedicated coaching staff and financial support for top players, according to the National Association of Collegiate Esports.

Professor Kun Chang, who teaches courses related to esports and media at USC, sees the growth as an opportunity for students to translate their passion into professional goals.

“Students can pursue paths in game design, broadcasting, event management — even analytics,” Chang said. “We’re seeing more interest in building careers around the ecosystem of competitive gaming, not just playing professionally.”

Critics of esports raise concerns about excessive screen time and its potential impact on student well-being.

“At first, I wasn’t sure about all the screen time,” said Linda James, a parent of a freshman on the Columbia High esports team. “But when I saw how organized it was — and how much effort (my son) put into school just to stay eligible — I came around.”

Max Auckenthaler, president of the esports club at USC, said organized esports have benefits comparable to traditional sports.

“The players are learning to communicate under pressure, strategize and work together,” Auckenthaler said. “These are skills that are applicable well beyond gaming.”

A recent study found esports participation helps students develop social skills that encourage peer interaction in a structured environment. For students struggling to fit into traditional team sports, esports can provide a sense of belonging, according to the Pew Research Center.

As more students engage in esports, Columbia schools are exploring ways to create a balanced experience for participants. Chang has researched the role of esports in education, examining its potential to enhance student engagement while addressing mental health considerations.

“It’s about finding the right balance between gaming and academics,” she said. “Schools should provide resources and programs that promote healthy habits.”

Chang said the growing interest in esports has created a legitimate career path for some.

“As the industry continues to grow, so do opportunities for students. This includes scholarships and even job placements in the gaming industry,” she said.

For students like Smith, the experience can be profound.

“Being part of an esports team has changed my life,” Smith said. “I’ve found friendships here that I never expected, and it’s incredible to compete alongside people who share my passion.”