Fauquier High School’s (FHS) up and coming esports club has shown early successes in its first official year. Led by FHS math teacher William Jenkins, the club focuses on the beloved teenage hobby, video gaming, but with a twist: high school students compete against each other.

Esports as a high school club originally gained popularity in the 2010s, and today the sport is recognized by the Virginia High School League (VHSL). Students can compete in a variety of events, ranging from League of Legends to Super Smash Bros. Jenkins affirms students don’t just grow as players but as individuals. The sport teaches, “accountability, responsibility and teamwork [and it] is more important to me than winning, but of course winning is also great!”

Describing the team’s players, Jenkins finds them incredibly, “dedicated, committed and driven.” The results are evident; their main Esports roster, FHS Red, was on a winning streak, reaching the 25th rank. While they did lose their first match, Jenkins remains excited, “Their improvement this season has been impressive to watch.” The teacher especially loves when matches go down to the wire,“It shows not only your skill, but your mentality towards the game as well which is such a large part of competing not only in esports, but regular sports as well.”

Jenkins favorite memory, however, is taking the students to a pre-season tournament at George Mason University (GMU). He recalls, “showing them the space of college Esports is something I was so excited to do.”

While the FHS esports club is only in its first year, Jenkins is excited about the possibilities and encourages students to “[just] take the plunge.” He remains committed to the belief that “Gaming is for everyone regardless of who you are,” and hopes to show students, “as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort, there is a place for you in Esports.”