The Michigan High School Esports League fall 2024 season championship event will be held Dec. 7 at Michigan State University.

The event will showcase competitions in game titles like “Rocket League,” “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” and “Valorant” — announcement of the game titles featured at season championship will be made after the fall season kicks off.

“We are thrilled to host our event at MSU; as a centralized location that already hosts many high school championship events, it makes sense to have our top high school esports teams from across Michigan compete for the state title on MSU’s campus,” MHSEL director Ryan Cayce said. “With exceptional facilities, equipment and one of the premiere collegiate esports programs in the country, we couldn’t think of a better partner to help us facilitate the MHSEL Fall Championships.”

Research has shown the benefits of esports include socialization/interpersonal skills, scholastic improvement, character development, increased student engagement, STEM skill growth and experience in a rapidly growing industry. Many colleges/universities offer degrees and scholarships to esport athletes.

Cayce said one of MHSEL’s goals is to offer students the opportunity to explore vast career paths, that’s why MHSEL partners with various state universities/colleges to host their season concluding events.

“We have a multitude of college/university coaches either scouting or providing knowledge at our MHSEL events,” Cayce said. “Our season-concluding competition is not just an event but a testament to the passion, talent and potential of young esports student athletes across Michigan.”

He added that this past spring season, six MHSEL student athletes committed to playing esports at the collegiate level and continuing their education — MSU being one of the universities gaining athletes.

MSU and MHSEL have an accord to host the fall season event at MSU for up to the next five years.

“Michigan State University is delighted to partner with MHSEL by hosting their fall championship event,” said Christopher Bilski, MSU director of Esports. “Esports offers students a unique opportunity to develop critical skills and foster a sense of community. We are excited to continue to establish Michigan State University as a central hub for the esports community in Michigan and beyond by providing these opportunities for some of Michigan’s best and brightest!”