In just two short years, Centerville High School’s esports program has gone from a fledgling idea to a powerhouse presence in the Ohio competitive gaming scene. With over 100 students participating across major titles like Super Smash Bros., Overwatch 2, and Rocket League, to name a few, our Elks are proving that excellence extends far beyond the traditional playing field.

This year, one of our varsity teams etched its name in Ohio esports history by capturing first place at the state championship, hosted at the University of Akron. Facing off against the reigning champions in a dramatic comeback, our players showed not only skill, but heart, composure, and true sportsmanship. There are over 250 schools in Ohio fielding esports teams, making this victory no small feat. This win follows last year’s impressive second-place finish and solidifies one of our squads as one of the most dominant forces in the state.

The team’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. Throughout the weekend, college scouts, event organizers, and even hotel staff praised our students for their politeness, resilience, and team-first attitude—a true reflection of Centerville values on and off the screen.

Our teams have qualified for multiple regional events, including those held at the University of Cincinnati, and have made appearances at state competitions in several titles. While one team leads the headlines, others have also made their mark with strong regional performances and growing national attention.

And the momentum doesn’t stop there. Several of our players have received multiple scholarship offers, opening up exciting opportunities to continue competing at the collegiate level.

Despite our rapid success, we’re still growing. One of our biggest goals is to establish a dedicated esports arena on campus—a permanent space that reflects the level of commitment and professionalism we see in the programs we compete against. Thanks to a generous donation from the Centerville Noon Optimist Club, we were able to purchase five high-performance PCs this year, allowing our teams to compete on-site for the first time. Our next step is reaching our goal of 12 PCs, along with TVs and consoles for console-based titles like Smash Bros.—and perhaps even Mario Kart in the near future.

While our current team is made up of talented seniors, the future remains bright with underclassmen hungry to step up and continue the Elks’ winning tradition. The passion, dedication, and drive shown by every player in the program is laying a strong foundation for years to come.

To our students, coaches, families, and community supporters—thank you for helping us build something extraordinary. Centerville Esports is here to stay, and we're just getting started.

Go Elks!