There was a time when video games were dismissed as a waste of time, an idle pastime for the socially awkward, or a distraction from more “serious” pursuits.
But today, gaming is on par with the biggest forms of entertainment — movies, television and even traditional sports.
Maybe even bigger.
Millions of people across the United States log in daily, drawn into immersive worlds where quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and teamwork are just as crucial as they are on any playing field. The rise of esports has transformed gaming from a hobby into a legitimate career path, where the best players compete in arenas packed with thousands of cheering fans and earn millions in sponsorships, tournament winnings and streaming revenue.
It’s no longer a stretch to think that, in the years to come, the names of professional gamers could be spoken with the same reverence as sports legends like Al Kaline, Barry Sanders, Isiah Thomas and Gordie Howe.
But for some, gaming is more than just a potential career — it could also be a gateway to higher education.
Colleges and universities across Michigan, including Alma College, Aquinas College, Michigan Technological University, Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University, the University of Michigan and Ferris State University, have embraced esports, offering varsity-level teams and competitive clubs. That list continues to grow. Many even provide scholarships to skilled players, much like those awarded to athletes in football and basketball.
However, for the students of Pine River High School’s newly formed esports team, the draw isn’t fame, fortune or even a college scholarship. They aren’t dreaming of championship titles or million-dollar endorsement deals. They play for something far simpler — fun, friendship and the thrill of representing their school and community in a way that, just a decade ago, wouldn’t have been possible.
For them, esports isn’t about the destination — it’s about the journey, the late-night practice sessions, the shared victories and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team.
For years, esports had been a topic of conversation at Pine River High School — an idea floating just out of reach, a possibility that no one had yet taken the leap to explore. But that changed this school year.
This is the first year, and for now, they are trying it as a club sport, according to Don Phillips, a high school English and history teacher at Pine River. Next year, they will be a competitive team playing against other schools in the area and Northern Michigan region.
The goal this year is simple: build a foundation. Phillips and elementary teacher Phillip Ragatzki are leading the effort, helping students develop the skills needed to compete while gauging overall interest.
“When we first started, we had about 18 students,” Phillips said. “Now it’s down to around 10, which is right where we were hoping to be for a team. We didn’t want it to be too big, but we also wanted to give everyone a chance to try it out. Now, we’re seeing who’s truly dedicated.”
The rise of esports has been impossible to ignore. What was once considered a hobby has become a global industry, offering college scholarships, professional careers and massive tournament prize pools. While Phillips was initially hesitant, his background as a casual gamer eventually led him to take on the role.
“I was approached to do this because I play video games,” he said. “That’s kind of rare for a teacher, but I mostly play computer games. I kept saying I didn’t have the expertise, but then they told me there was an elementary teacher — Phillip [Ragatzki] — who was really into it. So, this year, we’re both running it. I know the kids, and he knows the games.”
At the high school level, schools have some flexibility in how they compete. While advanced programs have high-end gaming PCs, Pine River opted for a more cost-effective route — playing on Nintendo Switch consoles.
Phillips said if the team had to buy gaming computers, one setup for just one or two players could cost $3,000 to $4,000. With the Switch, he said, they can get an entire system for four players at a fraction of that cost.
Beyond affordability, the Switch also allows for online competition, allowing Pine River’s players to test their skills against students from other schools without requiring extensive travel.
Selecting which games to compete in wasn’t just about student preference — it was a strategic decision. Pine River had two esports leagues to choose from, and both featured Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart as core titles.
“That made it an easy choice,” Ragatzki said. “We knew no matter which league we joined, we’d have two games ready to go without having to invest in anything new.”
Esports seasons run in both the fall and spring, and while game lineups can change, some titles — like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. — are staples of high school competition.
One potential challenge, however, is the upcoming release of Nintendo’s Switch 2.
Pine River’s team is focused on the present — competing, learning and growing as a unit. They aren’t alone in their efforts; other schools in the region, including Marion, Cadillac, Ludington, Traverse City and McBain, have also formed or are forming esports teams.
For students, esports is about more than just competition — it’s a place to belong.
“A lot of these kids aren’t on traditional sports teams,” Phillips said. “Some are what you might call ‘mathletes.’ But with esports, they get to be part of something, to compete, to have their skills recognized. That kind of boost — the feeling of accomplishment and teamwork — is something you can’t get from anything else but competition.”
The team also emphasizes sportsmanship, an essential lesson for any competitive activity.
“We’re teaching them how to win and lose gracefully,” Ragatzki said. “When you win, you have to be respectful. When you lose, you have to handle it without blowing up. Learning both sides — victory and defeat — is a big part of what we do.”
Beyond playing, esports offers students opportunities in streaming, graphic design and broadcasting.
“In football, you need to be fast, strong and able to catch,” Phillips said. “But in esports, you need a completely different set of skills. Can you edit a video? Can you be an announcer for a match? There are so many ways to be involved beyond just playing the game.”
For many Pine River students, esports isn’t just about playing video games — it’s about being part of a team, making connections and finding a place where they belong.
Whether gamers are seasoned or just starting out, Pine River’s esports club gives them a space to learn, compete and grow together.
