Editors’ Note: A previous version of this article cited the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) as officially recognizing esports. This was incorrect–it was in fact the New Jersey School Boards Association. The article has been adjusted to reflect the correct information.

The world of esports has just leveled up. On May 10, 2025, the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) Delegate Assembly officially recognized esports as a competitive activity, bringing gaming more in line with already established sports such as basketball, football, and baseball.

Esports has come a long way from its early days, where it was often seen as a niche hobby. According to The Guinness Book Of World Records the first official gaming event was held at Stanford University in 1972, where students competed in Spacewar! for a magazine subscription. Soon, arcade competitions started to sprout up across the nation, with arcade games such as Street Fighter II and StarCraft helping to build a competitive gaming culture. As streaming platforms such as Twitch gained popularity, the craze for esports evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Now, with schools in New Jersey, such as Edison High, able to compete under wider recognition, esports is closer to becoming a member of the ranks of traditionally organized competition.

“I never realized how long competitive gaming has been around,” said Tejas Rama ‘26. “Learning that students were competing in games as far back as the 1970s makes me even more excited to be part of something that’s officially recognized today.” Many gamers at EHS might be wondering this question, given the new recognition. Multiple popular titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, and Super Smash Bros will be included in the formal competition. With this list soon to grow, it will ensure that a wide variety of players, from those who prefer combat to those who appreciate teamwork and those who simply play recreationally, will have the opportunity to compete and participate. 

Since its inception esports has been a school-oriented club activity at Edison, and this new recognition may open up more opportunities for students to compete. Mr. Adam Romano, esports coach, presented an optimistic outlook but also acknowledged the challenges that might come with the change.

“I feel like this is an exciting opportunity not only for the students themselves but also for spectators to discover something new that they might not have seen otherwise,” he said.

“I feel like this also raises the question of how people might react, as esports is often seen as a type of counterculture in the formal sports category,” Romano also said.

While Edison’s Esports Club competed in smaller competitions, its goal is to represent the school in more competitions and hence earn higher recognition, while also introducing newer audiences to the sport.

With structured events and practices, Edison Eagles gamers may soon have the chance to showcase their talents on a bigger stage. “I cannot wait to compete for Edison High School,” said Thariq ahamed Shik ‘27. “Being an avid gamer and a regular part of outside gaming communities, I believe that this is a great opportunity to not only show my skills but also to represent my school.”