Around the 2000’s, esports began to take off, and eventually grew into the popular pastime we know today. Esports is commonly thought of as video games, but what about when it gets competitive?
Mr. Proctor is the sponsor of the club at DHS. He has been involved in the video game environment since he was young.
“I grew up playing video games in elementary school; I played through middle school, high school. I also played a lot of games in college,” Proctor said.
Due to his childhood interest, Proctor has now coached esports for three years. As of now, the time commitment for a coach is surprisingly high.
“At the beginning of the season with getting things set up and everything, it probably takes about 8-10 hours a week. So about 2 hours a day,” Proctor said.
The main games club members play during practices vary immensely.
“The big one is Rocket League; there’s always been interest in Rocket League. But those games change every season, it’s every school year. Another big one’s Valorant. Also Chess, Minecraft, this year there’s some new ones that I don’t think we have anyone playing in. Super Smash Brothers…” Proctor said.
The variety of games is not the only positive thing about esports. The environment is also extremely accepting of the student’s prior experience.
“Everyone is welcome; I want it to be an opportunity for anyone, and I will do what I can to be sure everyone gets that opportunity,” Proctor said.
He encourages anyone and everyone to join esports, so that they can get that chance at a different or new activity.
“We would love to have more people; there’s opportunities for everyone, and you can even play at home. It’s not just a right after school thing, so we can have people involved in other activities and do stuff right after school, and they can still play and be involved in esports,” Proctor said.
Esports has had many fun competitions that they have the opportunity to compete in. They are currently nationally ranked.