Alberta Esports Championship at Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College’s Esports Arena was the site of a tournament May 10 – 11, 2025, that generated more electricity than Pikachu!

In an ultimate showdown, more than 200 junior high and high school students representing more than 25 schools from across the province battled it out in the second annual Alberta Esports Championship.

From kids as young as 10-years-old, to teens on the verge of graduating high school, the tournament saw competitors tangle in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, VALORANT, and Rocket League.

“The event was outstanding, speaking to competitors and coaches, the excitement was incredible,” says Bart Chudleigh, Dean of Business and Technology, Chiu School of Business. “I love seeing the look on the competitors' faces when they first see our Esports Arena.”

For many of them, this was the first time they were repping their schools and wearing a jersey with pride.

“One teacher messaged me to say that his students were already planning their trip back for next year on the bus ride home,” says Shadi Hanna, Esports Academic Development Lead of the Alberta Esports Association. “Students had their matches featured on a live broadcast the entire weekend and had their competitive excellence recognized in front of all their peers and rivals at our awards ceremony. It is a blessing to impact these kids at such a formative time of their lives.”

One of the youngest was Macy, an 11-year-old in a Celtics jersey. She made the trip down the QEII highway from Red Deer with her dad, a coach, and fellow teammates from St. Patrick’s Community School. Gaming since she was seven or eight, she played Super Smash Saturday. “I get to compete against different people from different schools. I can also learn a lot from them. I like scary games and fighting games, games with levels,” says Macy.

Triplets Jonathan, Nathan, and Ethan are a sight to see. Competing in Rocket League, the brothers are known not only for their fierce talent but for how they support one another and dress identically, from their jerseys to their kicks. Playing for Calgary Christian Secondary School, they have advice for others looking to go from video game lover to an esports athlete.

“Reach out to your teachers or school supervisors. You never know what endless opportunities they have or connections they have. As soon as you build one relationship, they can connect you with another from there. You can find places like this esports arena, this event, and you can join leagues, find new people, build a community, I think it’s just great,” says one of the brothers.

Perhaps they will trade in their Cougars jerseys in the fall for Bow Valley College’s varsity team and become the Three Bears.

Another talented contender for the Bears is Lilly from Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge. Coaching a team in VALORANT, Lilly has a message for female-identifying gamers thinking about esports.

“If you really want to make something happen, go for it, do not be shy. If people say these aren’t meant for girls, look them in the eyes and prove them wrong. Women are playing in Europe. Train hard and work hard,” says Lilly.

Adding the Bow Valley College Esports Arena has an amazing gaming vibe, Lilly hopes to take the college’s Esports Business Management Diploma program. “This is my number one college right now.”

“Hosting the Alberta Esports Championship is a tremendous opportunity for Bow Valley College to showcase our commitment to innovation and leadership in emerging industries, such as esports,” says Chudleigh. “This event, with more than 200 students from around the province, not only elevates our profile within the esports community, but also highlights the strength of our Esports Business Management program—a pathway designed for students eager to turn their passion into a profession. We are hopeful that this exposure will inspire a new wave of learners to join us and be part of shaping the future of esports in Canada.”

Congratulations to all the competitors. We can’t wait to see where their esports journey takes them next.