Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Nura but we love sharing local success stories!
Local Charter School Takes Athletics to New Heights With eSports Team
The Tigers’ eSports team is breaking ground as the first competitive gaming team at GEO Next Generation High School. Comprising two squads, the team competes in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch, positioning the program as a fresh alternative to traditional high school sports.
The Tigers will conduct practices, prepare for competitions, and focus on strategy and skill development as they compete against other East Baton Rouge (EBR) schools. Mirroring athletic programs, GEO Next Generation hopes to use the program’s success as a recruiting tool to attract students interested in gaming.
eSports teams, like the Tigers, operate with the same competitive spirit as traditional sports teams. For many, eSports has become a new form of school pride, providing a space and a sense of belonging for students without a traditional athletic background.
The Tigers’ eSports program is part of a growing trend among schools in EBR and nationwide, with 8,600 high schools embracing competitive gaming since 2018. The EBR gaming scene gained momentum in 2021 as students organized teams during the pandemic. As the league continues to grow, charter schools like GEO Next Generation are joining to expand opportunities for their student body.
