WOODBURY – Back in early December our Esports team were the Super Smash Bros state runner ups to the state title for Connecticut Esports, eliminating the #1 Super Smash Bros team in the semi finals. This is especially impressive because of the fact that it was the first ever season for Nonnewaug Esports.
Even with this major accomplishment, some people still see the sport fighting for the spotlight. As a society, we tend to not try out new things especially if they feel strange to us.
Esports began gaining popularity in Connecticut throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s. In 2017, Connecticut became the first state to officially partner with the Electronic Gaming Federation which brought Esports to high schools across the state. In 2018, the first formal high school leagues started, the primary high school league in Connecticut is run by the CIAC in a partnership with PlayVS and teams compete at Connecticut universities. In 2019, college programs started up. Additionally, as of 2021 Esports betting is now legal.
But what makes Esports such a growing sport within our state and nationally?
“I believe ESports should be considered a real sport because of its high-level of skill and that we compete against other schools,” said Dante DiGiovanni, member of the school Esports team.
While the sport has grown tremendously in its short time at NHS, the team, and its players, are looking to cement themselves as one of Nonnewaug’s most successful programs.
“I feel like more people would be into it if it were games that they play and enjoy,” says DiGiovanni. “But I think outsiders think that it’s okay but just don’t consider it to be a real sport.”
NHS Esports have also added new teams to compete for.
“We added a Mario Kart team to our Esports team offerings for the 2026 spring season,” said Katie Blake Esports coach and tech teacher at NHS. “We hope to offer even more game titles for next school year.”
The Esports team has had a successful beginning to their spring season but will still need to carry the momentum from the fall to ensure this season finishes strong. “Our 2026 spring season is off to a strong start,” said Blake. “And we hope to qualify for the Smash Bros playoffs and then the finals scheduled for April 30th at Quinnipiac University.”
