A nonprofit founded by educators, Garden State Esports is the organizing body of scholastic esports for New Jersey. Our mission is to create high-quality, student-centered experiences through scholastic esports so ALL students can use esports as a platform to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
GSE envisions a future where esports, like traditional sports, is recognized as a key contributor to positive youth development. We aim to lead this change, adapting to the evolving needs of our students and community. Our commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and comprehensive education in esports distinguishes us as a leader in the scholastic esports field.
We cultivate a community that is not simply diverse but genuinely inclusive, where every individual feels valued and has equal opportunities to thrive. 97% of our participants report making at least one new friend and 93% report now having a sense of belonging at school because of esports. More than 75% of students report coming to school more often and trying harder in class because of esports.
Garden State Esports stands at the forefront of integrating esports into educational settings, leveraging the immense popularity of gaming to foster educational and life skills in students. As the largest scholastic esports league in the country, GSE uniquely combines the thrill of competitive gaming with impactful educational programming.
Everyone at GSE is an educator. Together we have 400+ years combined teaching experience. We know your schools, we know your kids, and we know how to help make esports meet the learning goals of your school district.
Our 3:30 start time and three-season schedule follows the traditional NJ athletic schedule that schools and students already know. We group teams into their traditional athletic conferences to make sure they play against schools they’ve heard of!
GSE recognizes the massive career opportunities for students in and around the gaming industry, especially in New Jersey, and equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic field. Students gain valuable insights into career fields such as game design, entrepreneurship, broadcasting, virtual production, and interactive 3D preparing them for a range of in-demand, lucrative career opportunities.
We are proud to have the support of the NJ Dept. of Education, New Jersey School Boards Association, and many other NJ-based organizations.
Fall Championships: 9/12 – 10/26
Tuesday – 3v3 Rocket League
Wednesday – Super Smash Bros. Crews
Thursday – League of Legends
Winter Championships: 12/5 – 2/1
Tuesday – Omega Strikers
Wednesday – Street Fighter 6
Thursday – Overwatch 2
Spring Championships:3/5 – 4/25
Tuesday – 2v2 Rocket League
Wednesday – 2v2 Super Smash Bros.
Thursday – Valorant
Fall Contenders: 9/19 – 10/24
Tuesday – 3v3 Rocket League
Wednesday – Super Smash Crews
Thursday – Omega Strikers
Winter Contenders: 12/12 – 2/1
Tuesday – Splatoon 3
Wednesday – Chess
Thursday – Overwatch 2
Spring Contenders: 3/12 – 4/30
Tuesday – 2v2 Rocket League
Wednesday – 2v2 SSBU
Thursday – Valorant
Victoria League
Victoria League is an additional competitive league open to GSE girls, marginalized genders, and non-binary persons.
Fall – SSBU – Thursdays
Winter – Overwatch 2 – Wednesdays
Spring – Valorant – Wednesdays
Unified Leaue
Additonal opportunites for players with special needs to game with peers.
Tuesdays: After school Rocket League 3v3
Weekly: During or after school Mario Kart Time Trials