One of the top youth esports events is coming to Texas on December 17 and 18. The middle school and high school Texas Esports League Finals are being held in Duncanville at the Esposure arena, according to a Business Wire press release. Gamers are competing for the state title.
It is the first event of its kind in the state, the press release shares, and is meant to be enjoyable for gamers and spectators alike. Vanta, a youth esports organization, is hosting the event.
The COO and co-founder of Vanta, Zack Fabi, said the Texas Esports League Finals will let students show off their hard work.
“We are so excited to host our first in-person event for our Texas Esports League,” Fabi shared in the press release. “The dedication we’ve seen from the students competing all semester has been so impressive. That they now have this chance to demonstrate the results of their hard work on stage in front of their friends and families is really special and something we’re incredibly proud to be able to support.
“Hosting this league for Texas students this fall has been so rewarding and we are thrilled to be able to work with such incredible students, teachers, and schools to help continue to build out the robust scholastic esports scene here in Texas.”
During the event, competitions will be held in Super Smash Bros., Ultimate, Chess, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, League of Legends, and Valorant.
Middle school competitions will take place on December 17, according to the press release, and high schoolers will be competing on December 18. The event is open to the public and free to attend. It will also be streamed on the Vanta Twitch account. Streaming will start at 8 a.m. on December 17.
“Vanta is a youth esports development platform that works with organizations to provide a kid-safe digital esports platform, competitive esports leagues, and expert coaching and holistic programming to kids ages 8-18,” the press release shares about the organization.
Vanta works with associations and schools, according to its website. It helps establish private leagues and competitions.
The organization also uses esports to implement learning curriculums.
“Esports isn’t just about gaming. With the right coaches, curriculum and environment young gamers can grow into future leaders,” the Vanta website shares. “We offer a structured, safe, and coached experience where everyone is welcome, where they can enjoy themselves and where they’re encouraged to reach their maximum potential. We work with schools looking to compete or associations looking to build a private league or conference.”
The organization works with gamers at the high school, middle school, and elementary school levels. The Vanta high school leagues launched in the fall of 2022, according to the website, and are for students ages 14 to 18.
Creating and registering a team with Vanta is completely free. Coaching can also be utilized for an added cost.
Adults are placed in the room with Vanta teams as a way to eliminate any bullying or mean behavior, the website shares.
Anyone who wants to attend the Texas Esports League Finals in person must register through the event page.
Esposure is located at 411 East Hwy. 67, Duncanville.