Claim to Fame 3rd annual High School Esports Showcase

Video game players across the state competed at MVP Arena for the High School Esports Showcase. Presented by Claim to Fame Entertainment LLC, the foundation welcomed high school esports teams to battle over Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Rocket League.

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Video game players across the state competed at MVP Arena for the High School Esports Showcase. Presented by Claim to Fame Entertainment LLC, the foundation welcomed high school esports teams to battle over Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Rocket League.

The family-and-friend-owned business has a goal of bringing awareness to the esports scene in New York. Their Chief Financial Officer, John Crossman, said this popular hobby has the potential to grow immensely. "I found out it was a multi-million dollar, close to a billion-dollar industry. Education was getting into it, veterans were getting into it… I’m a veteran."

High school teams played for a total of $500 in school funding, $250 per tournament, while also being scouted by colleges in attendance. UAlbany’s esports team recruited two students through Super Smash Bros.

Game Captain, Daniel Porter, explained when UAlbany looks for potential players, it comes down to who has the best attitude. "We are looking for some people that want to continue playing competitively to come to the University of Albany. We give them scholarships so that they can come and play for us. It’s over $3k per semester."

For those who play video games casually, esports still has a place for them. Some South Colonie High students said they are making friends thanks to their hobby.

"For a few of us, it’s a very good reason to keep coming back to school. To be excited. To stay after school maybe for an hour and a half and just have fun," described Jonathan Lasher.

Organizers add the students have just as much input as them as they choose what games are played both casually and competitively. And as more schools create esports teams, they foresee more events coming to the Capital Region.

"It’s going to be very exciting to see how this space, the interest in esports, the interest in video games can be an engine for all of us to get in the same room together that serves students really well in terms of staying at college when things get hard or potentially finding a new career path," stated Director of Esports at the University at Albany, John Macone.

Looking ahead, Claim to Fame is planning a regional competition along with a physical location of its own. Stay with NEWS10 both on-air and online as we continue to follow local esports.