Ethan Hay has been playing video games since he was in elementary school.
“Probably when I was about 8 years old, first on the Xbox 360 and then some Wii games,” Hay said.
Now, as a 17-year-old junior at Vista Peak Preparatory School (VPP) in Aurora, his hobby has become serious competition.
“I first started playing esports in school when I was a freshman,” Hay told CBS Colorado’s Kelly Worthman.
In 2022, esports was sanctioned by the Colorado High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) and has rapidly grown in popularity: as of this year, over 60 schools have at least one esports team.
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Haye doesn’t just play the game (Madden NFL), he dominates opponents in Colorado and New Mexico.
“I won Colorado state and then won the mountain state championships,” he said.
Hay is now a three-time regional champion and has brought home an impressive trophy for his school. What’s next? A national esports title that could earn Hay thousands of dollars in college scholarship money.
“I think I’ve had some interest from universities,” he says. “That could make a big difference.”
Beyond the financial boost, playing esports gives Haye a boost in self-esteem.
“It gives me a sense of accomplishment,” he says.
And he brings that confidence from the gaming arena to the actual grass.
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“I started playing tackle soccer.” [for VPP] Last year,” Hay said.
There are obvious differences between how virtual and real football are played, but both make Hay an athlete.
“I think there’s a big stigma around video games,” he says. “People see it as a nerdy thing, but I don’t think so.”
“Did you ever think you could play video games in and for school?” Worthman asked.
“Absolutely not,” replied Mr. Hay.
So did Hay’s mother.
“I was very against video games at first,” Melissa Hay said.
But after seeing her son’s success and smile, she said her mindset changed.
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“I’m definitely proud of him and the growth he’s seen through esports,” she said. “If we can bring esports to the forefront and show that it’s more than just sitting at home being lazy and playing games…this could be a career, this could be a scholarship. do not have.”
Although Hay wasn’t able to secure a scholarship this time around, he plans to achieve big things as a senior.
“There was a national team match. [Tuesday]Unfortunately we lost,” Hay said. “But I was so happy just to be there again.”
“What’s your game plan for next year?” Worthman asked.
“I’m sure I’ll win,” he replied.
