---
title: NDHSAA Sacntiones ND Esports Pilot Season
description: Discover how North Dakota schools can join the sanctioned pilot season of ND esports. Learn the benefits, register your team, and explore opportunities for students
---

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# **NORTH DAKOTA ESPORTS IS HERE TO STAY**

Bring the NDHSAA sanctioned pilot esports season to your school and join the fastest‑growing activity in student engagement.

[Get Started](mailto:brenden.swanson@Fenworks.com)

2025 Fenworks North Dakota Esports State Tournament Highlights

Trusted by 70+ North Dakota Schools

![Williston](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Williston.png?width=300&height=300&name=Williston.png)

![Braves](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Braves.png?width=300&height=300&name=Braves.png)

![WHISEA Scholarships Image](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WHISEA%20Scholarships%20Image.png?width=300&height=300&name=WHISEA%20Scholarships%20Image.png)

![Minot North](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Minot%20North.png?width=300&height=300&name=Minot%20North.png)

![Fargo South](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fargo%20South.png?width=300&height=300&name=Fargo%20South.png)

![Davies](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Davies.png?width=300&height=300&name=Davies.png)

![WFU](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WFU.png?width=300&height=300&name=WFU.png)

![Jametowns Blue Jays](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jametowns%20Blue%20Jays.png?width=300&height=300&name=Jametowns%20Blue%20Jays.png)

![GFC](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GFC.png?width=300&height=300&name=GFC.png)

![RRHS](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RRHS.png?width=300&height=300&name=RRHS.png)

![Dunseith](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dunseith.png?width=300&height=300&name=Dunseith.png)

![Devils Lake](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Devils%20Lake.png?width=300&height=300&name=Devils%20Lake.png)

![DW1A7502](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DW1A7502.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=DW1A7502.jpg "DW1A7502")

## **WHAT IS ESPORTS?**

Esports is organized, competitive gaming where students play in structured, school-friendly leagues with clear rules and adult supervision. Like traditional sports, it builds teamwork, discipline, and accountability while also opening doors to future careers in technology and media. Designed to fit each school’s schedule and resources, esports is a low-stress, high-impact way to engage more students.

## **PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS**

![DW1A5401](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DW1A5401.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=DW1A5401.jpg "DW1A5401")

### Localized Competition

The Fenworks Esports League is rooted in local play, meaning every match connects students with nearby schools, rivals, and surrounding communities. It’s about bringing the state together through competition.

![DSC06428](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC06428.jpg?width=499&height=281&name=DSC06428.jpg "DSC06428")

### Career Connections

Students gain opportunities to broadcast matches, manage their school’s esports pages, design graphics, and more. These hands-on roles build skills in media production, social media management, marketing, and other career fields.

![DW1A5815](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DW1A5815.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=DW1A5815.jpg "DW1A5815")

### Annual ND esports State Tournament

A highlight of every season, the Annual North Dakota Esports State Tournament brings all qualifying teams together under one roof. Students compete for state titles, connect with peers and sponsors, and explore opportunities with colleges — including pathways to scholarships.

## **HOW ESPORTS BENEFIT STUDENTS**

Building community, developing skills, and opening doors to higher education.

![DW1A2747-2](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DW1A2747-2.jpeg?width=2000&height=1047&name=DW1A2747-2.jpeg "DW1A2747-2")

### **INCLUSIVITY**

Esports brings students together from all backgrounds, creating a space where teamwork and shared passion drive connection. It’s an activity that any student can access and feel part of.

### **STUDENT DEVELOPMENT**

Research shows students involved in esports attend school more often and can see GPA increases of up to 1.4 points (Gameplan.com, Army.mil). Beyond academics, esports builds leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while sharpening critical thinking and technical abilities students can use in college and future careers.

![DW1A9653](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DW1A9653.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=DW1A9653.jpg "DW1A9653")

![Untitled-3](https://info.fenworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-3.png?width=1600&height=900&name=Untitled-3.png "Untitled-3")

### **SCHOLARSHIP ACCESS**

With over 250 colleges now offering varsity esports, students have access to more than $19 million in scholarships (Scholarships.com, LinkedIn). Esports opens doors to higher education opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

## **WHAT YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE SAYING**

> We wanted to get students connected to their class who were maybe a bit more shy. Esports alowed these students to become involved and excited to come to school.
> 
>  David Sjol, Superintendent, Dunseith High School

> “I have faith in the individuals who lead Fenworks...They are running a program that's not just about video games..They're trying to provide an opportunity for students to learn teamwork, collaboration skills and responsibility”
> 
>  Cassie G, Program Parent

> It's more than just gaming to them; it allows many of our students to be part of a team that may not have had that chance prior to esports.
> 
>  Darby Heinert, Principal, Jamestown High School

### **Accessibility**

Esports is built to be inclusive. Any student with a passion for gaming or media can join, regardless of physical ability, background, or prior experience. Programs are structured to meet students where they are and give them a place to belong.

### **Student Led**

Fenworks esports programs empower students to take ownership beyond the game. From shoutcasting and broadcasting to social media management and graphic design, students step into real leadership roles that mirror college and career opportunities.

### **Budget Conscious**

Compared to traditional activities, esports requires a fraction of the investment while delivering long-lasting impact. With one set of equipment serving hundreds of students across multiple seasons, schools see high engagement with a low cost of entry.

## **BRING ESPORTS TO YOUR SCHOOL THIS SEASON**

Ready to give your students a new way to connect, compete, and grow? Fill out the form to start the conversation and see how easy it is to launch esports at your school.

**Registration for the winter season closes October 26 — don’t miss the chance to get your students involved.**

 

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