Aberdeen Central High School will host the South Dakota State Esports Tournament on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15.
The tournament, which will take place in the CHS Golden Eagles Arena, will include an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday. The event is being coordinated by Fenworks, which officiates the state Esports League.
The CHS Esports Team will compete in the tournament in each of the events, including Chess, League of Legends, Mario Kart 8, Minecraft Bedwars, Rocket League and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. CHS student Grey Hauge will be returning as the defending state chess champion.
CHS Coach Aaron Galeana said there are about 30 students on the team this year, which is an increase of about 10 team members over last year.
This is the first state tournament since esports was sanctioned as a school sport. While it’s a little nerve-racking to be hosting the tournament, it’s also an exciting experience for the team.
“I think there’s a lot of pressure for us to perform well being the hosting school,” Galeana said. “I have no doubt that we can do it.”
For the tournament, equipment from the ATEC computer lab will be moved to Golden Eagle Arena. There will be a mainstage on center court, and gameplay will be visible on the screens in the gym, including the jumbotron screen, as well as in the CHS Commons.
“I think these kids deserve an over-the-top experience,” Galeana said.
