Regional High School Esports Tournament at Shawnee State Highlights Growing Competitive Gaming Scene Across the Tri-State
Shawnee State University (SSU) recently hosted a high-energy regional high school esports tournament that brought together student competitors, coaches, and schools from across Southern Ohio and Kentucky for a full day of competition, collaboration, and community building.
Powered by SSU, the Tri-State Esports League (TSEL) Kickoff Tournament showcased the growing enthusiasm for scholastic esports in the region, featuring a Valorant show match and a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament with participating teams from Greenup County Kentucky, Valley High School, Portsmouth West High School, Ironton High School, and Athens High School and Athens Academy.
After a full day of competition, Athens High School emerged as tournament champions, advancing through the winner’s bracket before defeating Greenup County High School 2-1 in a tightly contested grand finals rematch.
Greenup County earned a strong second-place finish after an impressive lower bracket run that included victories over Ironton, Portsmouth West, and Valley. Valley High School finished third after a competitive lower bracket finals match against Greenup. Portsmouth West High School, despite recently launching its esports program, impressed competitors with a fourth-place finish and several close matches throughout the tournament.
Ironton High School and Athens Academy rounded out the field, with organizers emphasizing the sportsmanship, teamwork, and enthusiasm demonstrated by all participating students throughout the event.
The tournament opened with a Valorant exhibition show match featuring Portsmouth West High School competing against a combined roster of players from Great River Connections Academy, Ironton High School, and Portsmouth West.
“This tournament was one of the most fun events I have ever been a part of,” said Adam Schuler, Director of SSU Esports and TSEL Commissioner. “The kids were troopers and played their hardest and it was a great time. It made me very excited for the future of high school esports in the area.”
“Thank you for putting on such a great event,” said Brad Mack, head coach at Athens High School. “It was long and wild but it was so much fun. I really can’t say enough [about] how awesome it was.”
Regional coaches echoed the excitement surrounding the event and its impact on their students.
“All of my players had an amazing time, and as a coach, it is exciting to see the effort Shawnee is putting into growing a local scholastic esports league,” said Chris Martin, head coach at Ironton High School and former coach for Valley High School. “We have an ever-expanding group of passionate and talented students in our schools dedicated to esports. Providing them with the tools in which they can network and share their passions with their peers not only assures our area's esports scene will strengthen but teaches valuable skills for later in life.”
Coach Schuler said the tournament demonstrated the growing momentum behind scholastic esports and highlighted the demand for more structured regional competition opportunities for students interested in gaming, broadcasting, technology, and digital media.
The event also served as an early preview of the upcoming Tri-State High School Esports League, which will officially launch later in 2026 powered by Shawnee State Esports at Shawnee State University.
The league will connect high schools across southern Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia through organized competition and student-centered opportunities in esports, broadcasting, digital production, leadership, and technology career pathways.
“We’re building something much bigger than gaming,” Schuler said. “These events help students connect with peers, discover new opportunities, and develop skills that translate into real-world careers in technology, media, communications, and live production.”
The 2026 TSEL League season will feature titles including Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, Overwatch, Valorant, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Rocket League, and Marvel Rivals, with online regular season play leading into live championship events hosted at Shawnee State University.
Schools interested in learning more about the Tri-State High School Esports League can visit:
Tri-State High School Esports League Interest Form
Tournament brackets, videos, and event highlights can be viewed here:
For additional information or partnership opportunities, contact:
Adam Schuler
Director of Esports and TSEL Commissioner
Shawnee State University Kricker Innovation Hub
aschuler@shawnee.edu
Discord: Shoes216