AIA to start high school eSports season in 2019

PHOENIX (KSAZ) -- Students in Arizona can trade in their traditional sports equipment for a game controller, because the Arizona Interscholastic Association is now considering eSports as an official school activity.

The growing world of video game competition has already seen a major tournament coincide with the Fiesta Bowl. Now, the AIA has voted to officially start an eSports season for Spring of 2019.

"For us, it's about creating as much opportunity for students as possible, whether it's on the athletic competition field, or in any other type of activity they may be engaged in," said AIA Director of Business Development, Brian Bolitho.

The plan is for schools to have as many teams as they want compete in two games: Rocket League and League of Legends. There will be a state tournament at the end of the season

Game Over Games employee Alfredo Torres says he's happy to see games get recognized by schools, as it was a lot different when he was in class

"Back when I was growing up, it was more or less video games had a very bad rap," said Torres. "People thought they made you dumber. They didn't know it took skill to play them!"

It will take $50 to participate, and registration is set to begin in the fall.