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

View the ESSEF 2025 Annual Report, HERE!

ESSEF Welcomed by Finger Lakes Community College Esports Program

Mar 18, 2026

Working in consort with several area High Schools, the Western New York-based Finger Lakes Community College recently extended a warm welcome to ESSEF Board Members as a way to find out how the two organizations can partner on events and projects intended to offer a...

Upcoming Events

PC University invites Scholastic Esports leaders to attend an 'Esports Playdate!'

As a Diamond Sponsor with LHRIC TLI, PC University is excited to put together an amazing event specifically designed for school and district leaders who are interested in learning how Esports can support student engagement, teamwork, and career readiness. See registration link below.

During the event you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Experience hands-on demos featuring Esports hardware, AV solutions, and Esports space design

• Attend breakout sessions covering program models, SEL integration, game selection, and Esports technology

• Participate in a Q&A with industry partners and school practitioners who have successfully implemented Esports programs

• Explore how Esports programs can support STEM, CTE, and student engagement initiatives

Whether you are just beginning to explore esports or looking to expand an existing program, this event will provide practical insights and the chance to see the technology in action.

Event Details

Date: April 14, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: LHRIC – Harrison, NY

You can register here!

Attention High School iRacing Participants!

ESSEF is seeking schools throughout the State to enroll in our ONLINE Spring iRacing Series! The weekly competitions take place each Monday starting on March 2, 2026. Find out how your team can enroll in the League and compete to win the Championship by clicking on the Sim Racing Series Flyer, below. Become part of this new and exciting title. Sign up, today!

The Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation in partnership with PlayVS is excited to begin our Spring 2026 Season!

2/9 Preseason

2/16-2/20 Winter Break

2/23 – 4/17 Regular Season with one Bye Week

(8 matches)

4/20 – 4/24 Playoffs

5/2 Championships!

Recent Events

Rensselaer Rampage Spring 2026

BKW Winter Warmup 3.0

Empire Gala 2026

An Amazing Day of NYS Esports Competition

Schine Student Center at Syracuse University

Take a look at some of the moments captured by attendees of the 2025 Fall Championship on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The record turnout and excitement of team and solo title matches made for a truly memorable event. For a roundup of Final Scores please visit the Championship Page.

Photo Gallery Video Stream

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.