Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation
Helping schools and students across New York State enjoy the benefits of scholastic Esports.
2023
Year Founded
50+
Schools
26,000
Estimated Student Reach
29%
Increase in Player Participation (Fall 2025)
Welcome to the ESSEF
The Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF) is a non-profit organization founded by educators to support scholastic Esports in New York State. Our mission is to encourage community involvement, academic achievement, and career development in youth within a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment.
By integrating gaming with education, ESSEF helps students build teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills that translate into future success.
Through tournaments, grassroots support, and partnerships, we create an accessible Esports environment that empowers students to excel both in and out of the game. Every student, regardless of background or skill level, has the opportunity to participate, learn, and grow through Esports!
The ESSEF provides a collaborative platform for students to engage in competitive gaming while promoting academic success, career development, and community building.
Latest News
Empire Gala Recognizes Partners
More than 30 attendees enjoyed the chance to meet and greet as ESSEF held its 2nd Annual Gala on Saturday evening, January 10th. The venue of Great Lakes Gaming was selected as a Western New York location with attendees sharing a view of Rochester at Innovation...
Upcoming Events
ESSEF x PlayVS Schedule
Spring 2026
2/9 Registration Starts
2/16-2/20 Winter Break
2/23 Preseason
3/2 – 5/1 Regular Season with one Bye Week
(8 matches)
5/4 – 5/8 Playoffs
5/16 Championships!
Stay tuned for more information!
Recent Events
An Amazing Day of NYS Esports Competition
Schine Student Center at Syracuse UniversityTake a look at some of the moments captured by attendees of the 2025 Fall Championship on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The record turnout and excitement of team and solo title matches made for a truly memorable event. For a roundup of Final Scores please visit the Championship Page.
The Eagle Arena 2025
High School Scholastic Esports Championship Tournament at Syracuse University
ESSEF set the bar high with another spectacular high school scholastic Esports tournament in early June. Fourteen teams from across NYS brought 75 competitors. The schools were a great representation of NYS from Silver Creek High School on the coast of Lake Erie to Pelham Preparatory Academy in the Bronx. Thank you to Syracuse Esports, Capital LAN Corp., Wild Cat Pizza and Pub, CRIT Apparel, parents, players, coaches, and Districts for your tremendous support!
The Serious Play Conference and Esports Summit at St. John Fisher University and R.I.T. Magic Spell Studios
ESSEF had a great time attending the Serious Play Conference and Esports Summit during August. . To all those that attended please keep the conversations going and we look forward to seeing everyone again.
University at Albany Esports Hosts Rensselaer Valorant Team
A special thanks to UAlbany Esports for supporting the Rensselaer Jr Sr High Valorant team! They twice visited the District. Then, the Team was invited to visit the UAlbany Campus! These are the positive experiences scholastic Esports programs can offer students.
Join ESSEF Today!
Become a part of the ESSEF and help shape the future of NYS Esports.
At the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF), we believe that the future of scholastic Esports should be shaped by the schools and colleges themselves. Educators and institutions best understand their students, school cultures, and academic goals, making them the ideal leaders in fostering an Esports ecosystem that aligns with their unique needs.
From organizing tournaments and securing funding to facilitating collaborations, ESSEF equips institutions with everything necessary to independently drive their Esports programs forward.
Our Partners!
Please select an image for more information.
