Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation
Helping schools and students across New York State enjoy the benefits of scholastic Esports.
2023
Year Founded
50+
Schools
26,000
Estimated Student Reach
29%
Increase in Player Participation (Fall 2025)
Welcome to the ESSEF
The Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF) is a non-profit organization founded by educators to support scholastic Esports in New York State. Our mission is to encourage community involvement, academic achievement, and career development in youth within a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment.
By integrating gaming with education, ESSEF helps students build teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills that translate into future success.
Through tournaments, grassroots support, and partnerships, we create an accessible Esports environment that empowers students to excel both in and out of the game. Every student, regardless of background or skill level, has the opportunity to participate, learn, and grow through Esports!
The ESSEF provides a collaborative platform for students to engage in competitive gaming while promoting academic success, career development, and community building.
Latest News
June 2026 Update
ESSEF Alumni Association As our graduating seniors get ready to cross the stage, let’s ensure their esports journey continues. We are excited to launch the ESSEF Alumni Network — a new hub designed to help our former players stay connected and give back to the...
Upcoming Events
ESSEF @ Times Square
Wonderama and ESSEF have teamed up to run a summer tournament like no other! Get ready because you’ll be playing at Times Square in NYC!
When: 8/23; tentative 10:30am to 4pm
Where: Times Square (details to follow)
What: Smash Solos and Rocket League 3v3
We are hoping to get 100 students involved. Few things about this event are different from other LANs we have done.
You need a form for both ESSEF and Wonderama signed to participate. Get them out to players NOW! Here is a folder with the required forms.
Players will be representing their school. They need to have an adult present! What this looks like is up to the individual district. Summer events are tough for schools. Is it a field trip? Up to you and how your district wants to treat the event. Players should be wearing school gear and be a scholastic participant.
Schools can team up. Have only 2 Rocket League players but know another district that has 1 that can go? Team up! We just want to get as many schools and kids playing games as possible. Just let us know during the registration process.
Transportation. Take the train, carpool, or a bus if your school allows. We have been told there is bus parking available and can get you those details. We can recommend parking for cars as well.
Let us know if you plan on attending with your school. No hard commitment, just that you want to stay involved and will try and get your school involved.
Attention ESSEF Donors One and All!
ESSEF is seeking supporters throughout the State during our Annual Fund Drive. Your contribution is tax deductible and makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our students as we position ourselves for growth in the coming year. Find out more by clicking on the flyer, below!
Recent Events
The Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation in partnership with PlayVS has completed our Spring 2026 Season. Click here for information on our recent Championship!
High School Scholastic Esports Championship Tournament at Syracuse University
ESSEF set the bar high with another spectacular high school scholastic Esports tournament in early June. Fourteen teams from across NYS brought 75 competitors. The schools were a great representation of NYS from Silver Creek High School on the coast of Lake Erie to Pelham Preparatory Academy in the Bronx. Thank you to Syracuse Esports, Capital LAN Corp., Wild Cat Pizza and Pub, CRIT Apparel, parents, players, coaches, and Districts for your tremendous support!
The Serious Play Conference and Esports Summit at St. John Fisher University and R.I.T. Magic Spell Studios
ESSEF had a great time attending the Serious Play Conference and Esports Summit during August. . To all those that attended please keep the conversations going and we look forward to seeing everyone again.
University at Albany Esports Hosts Rensselaer Valorant Team
A special thanks to UAlbany Esports for supporting the Rensselaer Jr Sr High Valorant team! They twice visited the District. Then, the Team was invited to visit the UAlbany Campus! These are the positive experiences scholastic Esports programs can offer students.
Join ESSEF Today!
Become a part of the ESSEF and help shape the future of NYS Esports.
At the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF), we believe that the future of scholastic Esports should be shaped by the schools and colleges themselves. Educators and institutions best understand their students, school cultures, and academic goals, making them the ideal leaders in fostering an Esports ecosystem that aligns with their unique needs.
From organizing tournaments and securing funding to facilitating collaborations, ESSEF equips institutions with everything necessary to independently drive their Esports programs forward.
Our Partners!
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