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East Texas middle schoolers kick off 2-day E-sports competition in Kilgore

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 17:53 GMT by KLTV
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I will try to fetch the content from https://www.kltv.com/2025/10/13/east-texas-middle-schoolers-kick-off-2-day-e-sports-competition-kilgore/.East Texas Middle Schoolers Kick Off 2-Day E‑Sports Competition in Kilgore

Kilgore, TX – The glow of high‑definition monitors and the buzz of competitive energy filled the halls of Kilgore Middle School on Tuesday, October 13, as East Texas’ middle schoolers gathered to launch a two‑day e‑sports tournament that promises to reshape the region’s approach to gaming and education. Over 300 students from 10 participating schools will battle it out in a bracket‑style competition featuring popular titles such as Valorant, Fortnite, and Rocket League. The event, hosted by the East Texas Independent School District (ETISD), is part of a broader initiative to integrate e‑sports into the school curriculum, offering students a chance to hone teamwork, strategy, and digital literacy skills while pursuing a potential future in the rapidly growing gaming industry.

A New Era for Youth Gaming

Principal Laura Martinez of Kilgore Middle School opened the event with a statement that captured the district’s vision: “Our goal is to provide a platform where students can excel both academically and athletically. E‑sports is no longer just a pastime; it’s an opportunity for scholarships, career paths, and life‑long skills.” Martinez’s remarks echoed the district’s mission, outlined on the ETISD website, to promote inclusive extracurricular programs that reflect contemporary interests and career trends.

The tournament’s schedule spans two days, beginning at 10 a.m. on the first day with opening ceremonies, team introductions, and a keynote address from the East Texas e‑Sports Association (ETESA) president, Mark Reynolds. The second day will feature the semifinals and finals, culminating in a trophy presentation and a celebration of sportsmanship.

Community and Corporate Support

Local businesses played a significant role in making the tournament possible. Red Bull Energy Drink, a frequent sponsor of youth sporting events in Texas, provided energy drinks and a stage for the live streaming of the finals. Dell Technologies offered technical support, ensuring each gaming station met the high-performance standards required for competitive play.

In addition to corporate sponsors, the event benefited from a partnership with the Texas State Games, which provided a dedicated esports arena and a certification program for coaches. Coaches from participating schools received training from the Texas Esports Education Foundation, a nonprofit that offers curriculum resources, coaching certification, and student scholarships for esports.

“Seeing these students in a structured competitive environment is incredibly rewarding,” said Coach Alex Ramirez, head of the Kilgore Middle School esports team. “We’re not just teaching them how to play a game; we’re teaching them how to think on their feet, how to collaborate under pressure, and how to respect their opponents.”

Student Participation and Enthusiasm

Students were encouraged to form teams of five, each representing their home school. Many of the participants are new to competitive gaming, and the event includes a “Beginner’s Lounge” where novices can receive a quick orientation to game mechanics and team strategies. According to the tournament’s official guide, the lounge will feature tutorials on game controls, an introduction to common jargon, and a session on balancing school responsibilities with gaming commitments.

“I’ve never played Valorant before, but I’m excited to learn and compete with my friends,” said 13‑year‑old Dylan Patel of Lubbock Middle School. “It feels cool to be part of something big, and I think it could help me with my future career in tech.”

Parents were also invited to the opening ceremony, where they could observe the competitive format and understand how their children’s participation supports their academic growth. “It’s amazing to see how the district is turning something that might have been dismissed as mere entertainment into a legitimate educational pursuit,” said Maria Garcia, mother of two middle school students in the district.

The Larger Picture: E‑Sports in Education

The launch of the tournament underscores a growing trend of incorporating e‑sports into school programs across the United States. According to a 2024 report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the gaming industry is projected to exceed $250 billion in revenue by 2028, and a significant portion of its workforce is expected to be drawn from high‑school and college programs that provide structured esports training. Schools that offer competitive gaming have seen increases in student engagement, attendance, and retention.

ETISD’s e‑sports initiative aligns with state educational goals that emphasize STEM, digital literacy, and career readiness. The district’s website lists several outcomes tied to the program: improved math and science scores, increased student confidence, and a pipeline for students interested in game design, programming, and e‑sports management.

Looking Ahead

The tournament is scheduled to conclude on October 15 with a closing ceremony featuring awards for best team performance, sportsmanship, and community impact. ETISA plans to hold similar events annually, with the 2026 competition set to expand to include additional games such as Rocket League and Overwatch. The district is also exploring partnerships with local universities to offer scholarship opportunities for students who excel in e‑sports.

Principal Martinez wrapped up the opening ceremony by urging students to embrace the challenge: “Competition is a chance to grow. Let’s play fair, push our limits, and, most importantly, have fun.”

With its vibrant blend of competition, community support, and educational intent, the East Texas e‑sports tournament at Kilgore Middle School has set a promising precedent for youth gaming initiatives nationwide. As students from across the region take to the virtual battlefield, the event will not only crown a champion but also inspire a new generation of students to view e‑sports as a legitimate, valuable, and exhilarating part of their educational journey.