Shenandoah University To Host VHSL’s First Fully Sanctioned Esports State Championships
Shenandoah Esports partnering with VHSL, PlayVS to plan and produce event on Dec. 13
Shenandoah University Esports is teaming up with the Virginia High School League and PlayVS to host the first sanctioned esports state championships for Virginia high schools on Dec. 13.
The VHSL’s fall championships, at Shenandoah’s Esports Arena, will feature two events – for League of Legends and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – with the top high school teams in each squaring off in a one-day competition culminating in a state championship round.
Shenandoah’s esports students will play a direct role in the event’s planning and execution. Students in Esports Event Management (ESPT 360) will work directly with the VHSL and PlayVS to plan, organize and run the event, while students in Intro to Broadcast Management (ESPT 230) will help plan and produce the livestream, which will be available on the Shenandoah Esports YouTube channel and on Twitch.
Shenandoah Esports and the Virginia High School League have worked together over the past few years to offer in-person competitive opportunities as esports has grown across the state. I’m excited for SU to serve as the first host site for teams to travel to now that the activity is officially sanctioned. With our students’ help, I am confident this will be the best championship we’ve hosted yet. We’re proud to support the development of Virginia’s young esports athletes and look forward to crowning new champions this year.”
Alyssa Duran, Shenandoah University director of esports
The VHSL will host a college fair in conjunction with the esports state championships, during which colleges and universities throughout Virginia will participate in educational programming to teach high school students and their families about opportunities to continue their participation and education in the esports industry.
The VHSL introduced a one-year pilot program for esports as a competitive activity in 2019, and continued to sponsor esports as an emerging activity through the 2024-25 academic year. The VHSL’s Executive Committee voted in May 2025 to fully sanction esports beginning in 2025-26. State championships in Rocket League and Mario Kart will take place in Spring 2026.
