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

Fall Season Championship Preview!

Nov 14, 2025

ESSEF High School Championships @ Syracuse University Location: 200 Waverly Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210, Gaming & Esports Center at the Schine Student Center @ Syracuse University Date: Dec 13th, 2025 Time: 9am registration; Brackets start 9:30am; End by 6:30pm...

Upcoming Events

Become a Sponsor for our Fall Championship!

Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals is a new addition to the competitive lineup for Fall 2025, after its inaugural Spring 2025 season. Players control Marvel heroes and villains with unique abilities in fast-paced, objective-based combat within destructible environments. ESSEF is thrilled to have this competitive event now available to schools in New York State.

iRacing Comes to ESSEF!

ESSEF is thrilled to announce we are starting the first ever scholastic iRacing league. Participation includes a one year license for iRacing to get your program started. Don’t let your Esports program miss out on this unique opportunity. Reach out to [email protected] to get on the interest list!

Recent Events

The Eagle Arena 2025

Washingtonville Harvest Cup

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.

Past Events

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.