E-sports, also known as electronic sports, is a rapidly growing activity at OHS. What began as a club has now entered its third official year as a sport.

“It is just like any other sport, it’s a fun place where we meet up, hang out, and do what we’re all passionate about as a team,” said Taewon Kim, senior.

E-sports primary purpose is to create a space for students to explore various video games while competing against one another and against other schools, ultimately bonding students through their shared passion for gaming.

“There are three different categories of games. There is the fighting game which is Super Smash Bros, then team-based strategies games for League of Legends, and then Rocket League which is also a fun team-based strategy game,” Kim said.

Since the club is divided into these three sections, members get to choose which game they feel most passionate about and then go on to compete within that category.

“So it’s separated by the three groups and you stay in your little group; it’s kind of segregated into things,” said Angelo Sanchez, junior.

Joining E-sports offers numerous benefits, and students can develop advanced skills while engaging with like-minded gamers. Furthermore, colleges have even started providing E-sports scholarships, granting students millions of dollars annually.

“This club has definitely made me look at video games in a completely different way. I used to think it was just a pass-time activity, but playing here this year and last year has made me seriously consider doing something with it after high school,” Kim said.

It is likely that the more schools embrace this sport and provide funding, the more opportunities, and competitions will be held around the country.

“At the end of the day, it’s just playing games and having fun,” Sanchez said.