Exciting News As Minnesota Adds Competitive Esports To Schools

The Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors approved a presenting partnership with Fenworks for a 2026-27 Minnesota esports pilot season.

The pilot covers nine esports titles including Marvel Rivals, Rocket League, League of Legends, VALORANT, Fortnite, Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, Mario Kart, Chess and Minecraft Bedwars. The pilot season comes on the heels of nine years of competitive esports in the state of Minnesota and seven years of operation from Fenworks.

“Being recognized by MSHSL brings legitimacy to the program and to the kids participating, and it also means that esports will continue to have an impact on Minnesotan students long after we are gone," said Jake Utities, Executive Director of Esports at Fenworks said in a press release. "That is the ultimate gratification for those of us who have worked tirelessly to build up esports in the state. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this possible, and we hope to see esports continue to grow its impact on our students!”

The registration period for Minnesota High Schools to join the pilot program runs from October 26 through November 25th, with competition beginning in early December.

The esports regular season will run from January 4th, 2027 through the Minnesota State Esports Tournament, held at St. Cloud State University on March 20th and 21st, 2027.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of our program has been its ability to get students involved who otherwise would not be able to or have not participated in sports or other school activities," said MSHSL Board Member Shawn Yates of Warroad.  "The majority (56%) of our current esports players do not participate in any other organized team competition. Furthermore, I’ve witnessed students with IEPs thrive in this setting. Through inclusive gameplay, esports allows them to engage in meaningful activities and showcase their skills and talents that may not be apparent in a traditional classroom setting."