Matches are filmed
Even though esports isn’t a traditional sport, it shares many aspects. Redberg said a lot of teams stream their matches on Twitch and YouTube. Prairie students watch film of their matches and those of their opponents to learn how to improve. Also, schools compete against others in their division, and the top teams compete in playoffs to get to the state championship.
Prairie’s team practices and competes in the school’s library. This season, one varsity team plays Valorant, and the other two teams play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, an old-school, one-on-one fighter game.
Super Smash Bros. holds a special place in Emmi Castagnaro’s heart. She said her uncles played the older versions of the game when she was growing up. They let her play, and now she does it competitively.
“I can just be myself and play with people that love to play games, even if it’s competitively or just for fun,” said Castagnaro, a 17-year-old senior. “And it’s definitely a way for me to relax from school.”
As one of the few girls participating in esports at Prairie, Castagnaro said that although she wishes there were more girl players, the guys welcomed her and everyone is treated equally.
