Technology

Security, Sports, and Skiing | The Motley Fool

Published

7 months ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

In this podcast, Motley Fool analysts Jason Moser and Matt Argersinger discuss:

Okta‘s good quarter versus the market’s glass-half-empty reaction.
Dick’s Sporting Goods brings the goods, though the acquisition of Foot Locker leaves some questions.
Vail Resorts has new “old” leadership, but will it be enough?

To catch full episodes of all The Motley Fool’s free podcasts, check out our podcast center. When you’re ready to invest, check out this top 10 list of stocks to buy.

A full transcript is below.

This podcast was recorded on May 28, 2025.

Jason Moser: We’ve got security and sports. You’re listening to Motley Fool Money. Welcome to Motley Fool Money. I’m Jason Moser and joining me today is senior analyst in dividend aficionado Thanks for being here, man.

Matt Argersinger: You bet, Jason. Thanks for having me.

Jason Moser: Well, we’ve got an earnings stacked show today. We’re going to talk about Dick Sporting Goods as well as Vail Resorts. But we’ll begin with identity solutions expert Okta. The company reported earnings yesterday after the market closed, and the stock is down, Matty, on what seems like a pretty solid report.

Matt Argersinger: Well, Jason, that’s what double digit revenue growth, record up profits, and reaffirming full year guidance will get you this earning season,[laughs] double digit town dater stock. Now, the stock is down sharply, but it actually is just back to levels we saw at the end of March, less than two months ago. I think it hit like a post 2022 bear market high recently. The stock has been on absolute tear. I don’t think investors should get worried here. I don’t follow the company as closely as other analysts here at the fool, but I think expectations for a company like Okta are always going to be very high just because of the growth it tends to put up.

Jason Moser: I wonder, too, how many out there maybe think that management might be sandbagging just a little bit. Revenue growth of 12%, remaining performance obligations, up 21%. The company continues to grow profits and cash flow. Matty, I can think of worse things. Now, that’s said. I absolutely pulled forward a lot of growth in 2020 and 2021, as many did. It does seem reasonable that things would level off a bit with this business. Now, I want to dig into some of the metrics that matter for companies like these. Now, metric, with a lot of these SAS businesses, it’s one that matters a lot, I think. It’s large customers. All of the companies, they define this a little bit differently. It’ll be customers that spend $100,000 or more per year or maybe it’s 300,000.

But then you see these companies start pointing out those million dollar plus customers, and in the call, they noted in the quarter, the number of customers spending $1 million or more in annual recurring revenue with Okta grew 20%. Now, when you couple that with what some of their customers look like, this is a pretty impressive client roster. Some of these companies you may have heard of Amazon Web Services, DocuSign, Google, SalesForce, Zoom Video Communications, you get where I’m going here. How important is the large customer for Oktas business today?

Matt Argersinger: I think it’s key, and like you said, it’s key for a lot of these software companies. That’s where a company like Okta can really scale its offerings and earn higher margins. You mentioned the number, the $1 million spend, growing 20% or more, and that’s why I think CEO Tom McKinnon said on the call that I think the single biggest opportunity for the company is that large enterprise customer base, and he thinks Okta has wide market opportunity within the fortune, I guess, 2,000 or the top 5,000 companies that would potentially be Okta customers. He thinks they’re far from reaching that potential within that customer segment. If they keep putting up 20% numbers, with customers that are spending $1 million or more in annual recurring revenue, that is going to look very good for Okta going forward.

Jason Moser: It seems it would be the case. Now, we talk a lot about competition in this space, obviously, very competitive in cybersecurity. Some of the obvious names that we continue to talk about here at the fool, companies like CrowdStrike, ZScaler or even Palo Alto Networks. But one that I think probably most investors don’t initially connect the dots to is Microsoft. I think part of that is because, Microsoft does so many different things and does a lot of it well. But Microsoft, in this case, is a formidable competitor, and they can do it all, and they can bundle these identity solutions at competitive prices. We’ve seen them pull that off with teams to an extent. That’s certainly threatened Zoom to a degree, and I think Slack, as well. How effectively are they competing in this space? Particularly in regard to larger enterprise customers. How big of a threat really is Microsoft, in this case?

Matt Argersinger: I think Microsoft is always a big threat, weirdly, it’s not going to be a threat to the larger customers that Okta is going after. If you think about companies like Amazon, Alphabet, Salesforce, Okta customers, they don’t want to go anywhere near Microsoft, which is a major competitor in a lot of their markets. If they’re going to avoid it, they can. So I like that Okta doesn’t compete even directly with most of its large customers. It’s singularly focused on identity and security solutions versus Microsoft, which, of course, does everything. I think that’s compelling. When you’re a software company that is a leader in a specific vertical and you don’t have these tentacles going out in so many different places that could potentially encroach on your customers markets, you’re going to have a lot easier time selling and growing your solution. I do think as long as Okta does a great job within its own market and verticals, it should have no problem competing against Microsoft, which it’s saying a lot just how big Microsoft is. But I do think Okta can continue to succeed.

Jason Moser: I think that makes a lot of sense, what you’re saying too, is a lot of these companies, they don’t want to put all of their eggs in one basket and management spoke to that last quarter. They acknowledge that Microsoft is this big competitor out there, but by the same token, they also acknowledge that most of their customers, they don’t want to just wrap everything up with Microsoft because then you get in that single point of failure risk, and that could be a big problem, especially for these bigger customers. To me, I also look at Okta. It’s business as I follow somewhat closely. I’ve recommended it in our Next Gen Supercycle service several years back. It’s a founder led business. Feels like we need to talk about leadership here a little bit. Tom McKinnon, co founder and CEO of the business. He’s been the CEO of the company since they went public in 2017. I have to say, it seems to me he’s done a very good job. There was the Of Zero acquisition a little while back that brought some questions up. They paid a heavy price for that one, but it sounds like Of Zero is working out well. Have you take on leadership there? How much do you value that founder led dynamic?

Matt Argersinger: I think it’s always important, it’s always positive. If you have the founder and visionary at the helm. You mentioned the IPO in 2017. Well, Okta is up 400% since that IPO. I think investors are pretty pleased. Now, I know the stock is down quite a bit from its 2021 high. It still hasn’t gotten back to that.

Jason Moser: A lot of them are, Matty.

Matt Argersinger: No, of course. We just know the bloodbath that 2022 was for technology companies. Many of them haven’t reclaimed those previous highs. But still, even with that, 400% up since 2017, crushing the market. I think that’s a pretty good testament to how McKinnon is running the business, for sure.

Jason Moser: Absolutely. Well, Dick Sporting Goods reported earnings this morning as well. Diving in here, it’s a fairly muted reaction from the market stocks up a little bit today. You look at this report, it seemed like a pretty good report in the face of a very tricky retail environment these days. I think that we look at Dick Sporting Goods. The numbers they’ve lobbed up here, revenue up 5.2% from a year ago, comps up 4.5%. I think even more encouraging leadership maintained guidance for the full year, which in the current tariff environment, could be considered a big win. Now, we’ve seen a variety of responses from the market, but it comes to retail these days, specifically how exposed they are, of course, to the current tariff environment. Do you think Dick Sporting Goods is at greater risk than others here?

Matt Argersinger: I would think they are, Jason, only because, well, management hasn’t really disclosed, at least as far as I could find exactly how much inventory they source from places like China that had been subjected to the higher tariffs. But we do know that a competitor like Academy Sports and Outdoors gets about 50% of its inventory from China. I would expect it’s in that ballpark for Dick’s as well. The good news is that I think management has done a good job of diversifying its Dick’s sourcing in recent years. Like you said, the fact that management is reaffirming full year guidance, even factory the higher 30% tariff on Chinese goods right now that we know is still in place, I think that shows how far they’ve come, and on top of that, they’re actually calling for a 75 basis point increase in gross margins this year. Now, price increases will almost certainly play a role in that, but it doesn’t sound like it’s going to be high enough to really impact customer spending, at least they don’t think it will. Just something to keep in mind for investors. Management’s guidance is based on the existing tariff policy.

Jason Moser: I was going to bring that up.

Matt Argersinger: In this 90 day pause. I think people forget we’re in this 90 day pause period as these reciprocal trade agreements, especially Visa V China are being negotiated. Who knows what will come in July once that all comes to a head. I think the picture could still change significantly over the next couple of months, but it is nice to see that Management is reaffirming guidance.

Jason Moser: I had to bring a little snip in from the call there because I’m glad you referred to that because that’s exactly what I was thinking. They said on the call, with all of this in mind, we are reaffirming the guidance we provided for 2025, which includes the expected impact from all tariffs currently in effect. That’s the key phrase can change on a dime. We know this is just a very headline driven market, and tomorrow we will probably another headline that changes the calculus completely. But I guess for now at least, it seems like the company is going in the right direction. Now, I think the big news with Dick Sporting Goods here recently, the company made a big announcement a few weeks back. It’s going to acquire Foot Locker. Did you notice anything on the call? What did management have to say about that on the call? Because one of the things I found interesting in this deal is that Foot Locker shareholders can either take an all cash offer or they can take shares in Dick Sporting Goods. You don’t often see shareholders getting those types of options. It’s usually one or the other, isn’t it?

Matt Argersinger: I do like that shareholders are getting the option there, because clearly, there are some investors who are going to be less favorable to the acquisition and rather just take the cash and move on. Others probably see the opportunity to own shares in Dicks going forward, which has obviously been a real superior operator in the Sporting Goods space. I kind of like that Dick’s is giving that option. I hope other companies do that, as well. Turning to the acquisition itself, Dick’s management is obviously pretty high on it. They think it gives them access to new markets, a different customer base. They think they can drive scale and efficiency across the Foot Locker business, capturing somewhere they think on the order of 100 million and 125 million in cost synergies. There’s that word I don’t like, but they think they can get it. they think the deal will be accretive to earnings per share in the first full fiscal year after the acquisition is closed. I don’t know, Jason. My problem is, I just can’t get over the disparity here in the real estate footprint for one.

Dick’s has specialized and succeeded with this big box stand-alone store concept. Heck, it’s even expanded on that in recent years with its massive House of sports concept. I don’t know if you’ve ever been to any of these, but these are massive stores. They’ve got climbing gyms, batting cages. I think even have ice rinks in them. But now you’re taking on this massive new network of smaller stores. In some cases, less than a tenth of the size of your average store, they’re largely located in malls, and of course, Foot Locker is much more focused on shoes. Yes, it’s still sports. It’s still within that overall category, but it just feels like a very different concept and business model. I’m not sure how excited I would be about the deal if I was a Dick shareholder. I just feel like a reach.

Jason Moser: They are two very different concepts, playing in the same sandbox, but very different concepts. I think you’re right in that it’s going to be something to pay close attention to how they manage that smaller store footprint because it gives them a lot of additional stores, but these are much, much smaller stores. Like you said, they focus on shoes. I think in regard to pricing, like you mentioned earlier, we saw news recently that Nike is going to be passing through some price increases, mostly on higher end items. They’re going to forgo price increases on things like kids apparel and goods and whatnot. But it’ll be interesting to see how companies like Dick Sporting Goods and in footlocker of handle those price increases and how sensitive consumers really are in regard to those. Matty, let’s wrap it up with your well, I don’t want to call it your favorites, but it’s a company you followed for a long time, and I’ve spoken with you a lot about it before. Vail Resorts, having a great day today, it seems like that’s at least partly due to a change in leadership. But on a semi related note, Matty, I’ve noticed it’s still a wee bit chilly here in Northern Virginia as we prepare to enter June. It begs the question, is Vail benefiting from a longer season this year?

Matt Argersinger: It was a little bit of a better ski season than they’ve had in recent years. that is a positive takeaway. Let’s get to the leadership change. That’s the real reason the stock is moving. Let me first give a shout out to Anthony Shavon. He’s my partner in crime on our Dividend Investor Service. He’s been on this story for the better part of a year. In fact, we put Vail Resorts on hold in our service a while ago, feeling the company had just expanded too fast, taken on a lot of debt. Bought back billions of dollars worth of stock at prices, in some cases are 100% higher to where Vail was trading at earlier this week. We just didn’t like the direction the company was going. We did eventually bring the stock back to a buy on the idea that Vail is probably going to make a change at CEO, and sure enough, that is exactly what happened. I think the reason the stock is getting such a positive reaction is because of who they are bringing back. It’s Rob Katz. He’s the executive chairman of the board. He was the CEO from 2006-2021, 15 years where Vail’s business boomed, its stock delivered at a total return of more than 1,100%, almost triple the S&P 500. I think what the market sees in Katz is someone who obviously had a very successful tenure as CEO.

He’s probably going to pull back the reins on Vail’s expansion, really focus on making the business more efficient and profitable, and someone who could just solve some of those vexing problems that Vails had at some of its resorts, including overcrowding, a lot of its lifts, the labor challenges that ran to this past season where they had strikes, which was not a great experience for obviously, visitors of the resort. It’s a tall order, but I think he knows the company in and out. He’s been with Vail since 1991, yet he’s only 58-years-old. I think investors are right to be enthusiastic. It was also encouraging to see that Vail did reaffirm its guidance that it gave back in April. That guidance was lower than what Vail gave coming into the year. But the fact that results weren’t lowered is a good sign, I think, and we’ll get the full picture when Vail reports fiscal third quarter results next week. One thing to watch. However, Anthony and I do think there’s a reasonable chance that Vail cuts the dividend or even suspends it. Prior to the announcement and the jump in the stock price, Vail was yielding more than 6.5%, and the current dividend payout that it’s promising this year exceeds what Vail is expecting to earn this year, which, of course, is usually a red flag. As dividend investors, we hate when companies cut their dividend. I hate it, but I think it almost is inevitable now, and I could see Katz wanting to preserve cash flow, strengthen the balance sheet, have capital to reinvest back in some of its resorts. There might be a short term negative reaction when that happens, but it probably is the right long term call for the business.

Jason Moser: It’s a nice tip of the cat there to Ant. We love Van here. Nice job. Mattie, before we go, last thing, talking about this leadership change with Vail Resorts, it got me thinking, and given the success that Rob Katz has had to this point, given the response we’re seeing from the market today, is it possible? Do you feel like Vail could have a cat’s problem like Disney or Starbucks with Iger and Schultz?

Matt Argersinger: I think it’s a great question, Jason. I will say this. I think the fact that he’s only 58-years-old, I feel like the succession questions can be put off a little bit. I don’t know how long he’s intending to come back, but he’s still relatively young. He was the CEO for a long time. He’s been the executive chairman since he stepped down in 2021, so he’s intimately familiar with the business. It’s not like he’s coming back in from being somewhere else. I just I don’t think those questions will come up as frequently as they have for, you know, for Bob Iger or Schultz over at Starbucks. So we’ll see how this turns out, but I think Katz is here to stay for a while.

Jason Moser: We’ll leave it there. Matt Argersinger, thanks so much for being here.

Matt Argersinger: Thanks, Jason

Jason Moser: As always, people on the program may have interest in the stocks they talk about, and the Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against, so don’t buy or sell stocks based solely on what you hear. All personal finance content follows Motley Fool editorial standards and/ or not approved by advertisers. Advertisements or sponsored content are provided for informational purposes only. To see our full advertising disclosure, please check out our show notes. I’m Jason Moser. Thanks for listening. We’ll see you tomorrow.

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Technology

Fast Switches, RGB Customization, and Next-Gen Gaming Precision

Published

1 hour ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Mechanical keyboard 2026models integrate ultra-fast switches that achieve 0.1ms actuation with under 1mm travel, allowing competitive gamers to press keys 20% faster in FPS and MOBA titles. RGB keyboards now feature 16.8 million per-key zones, enabling dynamic lighting that reacts to game events, killstreaks, or ability cooldowns. Hall-effect magnetic switches dominate the premium segment, offering adjustable actuation points from 0.1mm to 4.0mm while lasting 100 million keypresses with no physical wear. Together, these innovations deliver both tactile precision and immersive customization, making mechanical keyboards a vital tool for high-level competitive play.

Mechanical keyboard 2026 designs also focus on durability, ergonomics, and modularity. Hot-swappable switches allow players to fine-tune the feel without soldering. Aluminum chassis and gasket-mounted plates reduce finger fatigue while maintaining solid stability for marathon gaming sessions. Modern firmware supports thousands of macros, rapid polling rates, and dual-PC setups, ensuring that esports players experience consistent input across multiple platforms.

Fast Switches and Key Feel

Fast switches like Gateron KS-20 reduce actuation force to 35g at just 0.2mm depth, while optical variants eliminate debounce delays, registering inputs at 8,000Hz natively. Mechanical keyboard 2026 boards include hot-swappable sockets, allowing players to swap magnetic, linear, or tactile stems without soldering. PBT double-shot keycaps resist shine after five years of heavy use, and gasket-mounted designs reduce bottom-out impact, lowering finger fatigue by up to 30% during marathon sessions. Combined, these features enhance responsiveness, durability, and ergonomic comfort for both competitive and casual gamers.

Other innovations include per-key actuation calibration via onboard OLED displays, letting players fine-tune each switch’s sensitivity individually. Fast switches allow remapping for advanced trigger modes, such as assigning jump or crouch to rapid keypresses, boosting movement efficiency in FPS titles. Firmware support like VIA and QMK provides up to 1,000 macro layers, ensuring fluid execution of complex combos. NKRO (N-Key Rollover) maintains accurate detection of 100 simultaneous inputs, preventing ghosting during intense gameplay.

RGB Keyboards and Lighting Customization

RGB Gaming keyboards in 2026 employ addressable LEDs beneath every key, responding instantly to in-game actions, music beats, or voice chat activity. Fast switches synchronize with lighting effects to create visual feedback for ability activation or kill confirmations. VIA and QMK support advanced lighting macros across 16.8 million colors, letting players design immersive themes and reactive effects. RGB keyboards also integrate USB passthrough hubs, enabling controller charging or peripheral connections without latency interruptions.

Premium gaming screens emphasize both aesthetic and functional benefits. Aluminum chassis with acoustic foam layers tune sound profiles from soft, creamy thocks to sharp, clicky clacks, complementing per-key lighting for sensory immersion. RGB keyboards combined with modular keycaps allow instant visual recognition of critical keys, enhancing reaction times in high-pressure matches. Firmware updates maintain compatibility with new software and games, ensuring that RGB functionality evolves alongside gaming trends.

Build Quality and Advanced Features

Mechanical keyboard 2026 models focus on robust materials and ergonomic design to support competitive play. Aluminum top plates weigh around 1.2kg, stabilizing 60% or full-size layouts, while foam and gasket mounting reduce vibration and noise. Fast switches with Hall-effect sensors allow precise calibration and onboard memory, storing personalized actuation and lighting settings.

Other features include multi-device support, 8,000Hz polling across dual-PC setups, and modular layouts for hybrid gaming and productivity. High-end models provide long-term durability, with switches rated for 100 million keypresses and chassis built to withstand sustained pressure. These designs ensure that both casual players and esports professionals can maintain peak performance over years of intense use.

Key Features:

Aluminum top plates provide stability and long-lasting structural integrity.
Foam and gasket-mounted designs reduce vibration, noise, and finger fatigue.
Hall-effect fast switches allow precise per-key calibration and storage.
Modular layouts and multi-device support enhance versatility for gaming and work.
8,000Hz polling ensures sub-ms latency across dual-PC or multi-system setups.
Switches rated for 100 million keypresses guarantee long-term durability.

Conclusion

Mechanical keyboard 2026 models with fast switches and RGB keyboards redefine both competitive precision and immersive gameplay experiences. Adjustable actuation, ultra-fast response times, and reactive per-key lighting provide measurable advantages in esports, allowing players to execute rapid combos and maintain visual awareness under intense pressure. Durable materials, modular layouts, and advanced firmware ensure 10+ years of relevance, keeping performance consistent even as switch technology evolves. Combined, these innovations set a new benchmark for gaming keyboards, making them an indispensable tool for casual enthusiasts and professional gamers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes mechanical keyboard 2026 switches faster than older models?

Mechanical keyboard 2026 switches achieve 0.1ms actuation with minimal travel, reducing input delay. Optical switches eliminate debounce entirely. Hot-swappable designs allow users to optimize each switch type. Together, they improve reaction times in competitive gaming.

2. How do RGB keyboards enhance gaming performance?

RGB keyboards provide per-key lighting for instant visual cues on ability cooldowns, killstreaks, or critical keys. Reactive effects improve reaction speed in high-pressure scenarios. Custom macros allow lighting to indicate complex input sequences. This combination merges aesthetics with functional gameplay advantages.

3. Are fast switches durable enough for long-term use?

Yes, Hall-effect and magnetic switches are rated for 100 million keypresses. Gasket-mounted designs reduce mechanical wear and finger fatigue. PBT double-shot keycaps resist shine and degradation. Long-term durability ensures consistent performance for years.

4. Can mechanical keyboard 2026 models support multi-device setups?

Many models integrate USB passthrough hubs for peripherals and dual-PC support. 8,000Hz polling ensures sub-ms latency across connected devices. Firmware allows separate profiles per device. This setup guarantees smooth operation for both gaming and productivity tasks.

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Technology

How Schools Are Powering the Future of Competitive Gaming Education

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The world of esports has rapidly shifted from a niche form of entertainment to a central component of competitive gaming education. As 2026 approaches, academic institutions across the globe are embracing the opportunities that digital competition presents.

From high school classrooms to university campuses, structured gaming programs in schools are transforming how students learn, collaborate, and prepare for the digital economy.

The Explosive Rise of Esports in Education

Esports, once dismissed as mere gaming, now attracts millions of players and spectators around the world. Educational institutions have taken notice. The steady growth in digital engagement, streaming culture, and student interest has pushed schools to formally integrate esports into their extracurricular and academic offerings.

By 2026, experts project that school-based esports participation will surpass that of traditional high school sports in some regions. The digitization of competitive gaming aligns with broader trends in modern education, where technology, inclusivity, and creativity intersect to form new learning pathways.

What Is Esports and Why Is It So Popular Among Students?

Esports refers to organized, competitive video gaming, often involving professional players and teams. Unlike casual gaming, esports involves structured tournaments, ranked leagues, and strategy-based team play across popular titles such as League of Legends, Valorant, and Rocket League.

For students, esports blends entertainment with purpose. It enables individuals who may not participate in traditional athletics to compete, build communities, and express creativity. The widespread availability of gaming hardware, streaming tools, and online platforms has lowered the entry barrier, making esports more accessible than ever.

Moreover, the social component is powerful. Online tournaments and school leagues foster connection across diverse backgrounds, helping students develop coordination, leadership, and interpersonal skills, traits that are increasingly valuable in both academic and corporate environments.

How Are Schools Launching Esports Programs?

Many schools have already launched formal esports programs, driven by student demand and institutional recognition of esports’ educational potential. Universities in the United States, South Korea, and the Philippines are establishing dedicated esports departments that oversee teams, manage scholarships, and organize intercollegiate competitions.

High schools are following suit. Some districts are converting computer labs into esports arenas equipped with high-performance PCs, ergonomic setups, and broadcast equipment. Others collaborate with gaming companies to create mentorship and training initiatives, blending classroom theory with real-world competition.

These gaming programs in schools go beyond playing. They involve curriculum design, technical training, and content creation workshops that align esports with the broader educational framework. Students learn not only how to compete but also how to analyze performance data, manage teams, and produce digital media.

What Do Students Learn from Competitive Gaming Education?

The rise of competitive gaming education is reshaping the skillsets associated with modern learning. Students gain more than just gaming proficiency, they develop critical thinking, multitasking, and collaboration abilities. These programs emphasize transferrable skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional regulation under pressure.

Esports also complements existing curricular areas. Game strategy mirrors elements of mathematics and physics, while coding and hardware management connect directly to STEM learning. Instructors use esports to teach topics such as network infrastructure, software development, and game design.

Beyond academics, competitive gaming encourages inclusivity. Students of all genders, backgrounds, and physical abilities can participate on equal footing, fostering school pride and teamwork in digital spaces.

How Big Will Esports Be by 2026?

Industry analysts predict that esports in 2026 will be valued at over $2 billion globally, with an audience exceeding 800 million. This rapid growth is fueled by live-streaming platforms, increasing sponsorship deals, and more educational integration.

Esports’ reach continues to expand beyond traditional entertainment. Virtual reality and augmented reality are enhancing gameplay engagement, while blockchain-based tournament systems are adding transparency to competition and prize distribution.

The integration of AI analytics is also reshaping coaching methods. Educators and team managers are using data-driven insights to assess player performance, optimize team composition, and develop customized training regimens. As schools adopt these same analytical tools, competitive gaming education enters a new era, where digital literacy and innovation drive progress.

What Challenges Do Schools Face in Running Esports Programs?

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding esports, schools still face practical and ethical challenges. One major concern is balancing academics with gaming commitments. Without structured supervision, students may risk excessive screen time or burnout.

Institutions are addressing this by introducing strict schedules, physical activity requirements, and mental health counseling. Another challenge involves funding. Setting up professional-grade arenas and securing reliable hardware demand significant investment. Public schools in particular rely on sponsors or partnerships with tech firms to maintain program sustainability.

Finally, schools must train or hire qualified esports coaches who understand both the educational context and the competitive scene. This dual expertise ensures that gaming remains an avenue for learning, not just recreation.

Success Stories: Schools Leading the Way in Esports Education

Several schools around the world have already demonstrated how esports can enhance education. In the United States, the High School Esports League (HSEL) connects thousands of students nationwide, fostering academic engagement and teamwork. Schools such as Miami University and the University of Utah became early adopters of varsity esports teams, setting benchmarks for collegiate competition.

In Asia, South Korea remains a trailblazer. Its government has integrated esports into youth programs, emphasizing both technical training and player well-being. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, some universities have begun offering esports courses as part of information technology programs, mirroring global trends toward curriculum innovation.

These examples prove that when implemented responsibly, esports programs can increase student enrollment, improve school visibility, and create bridges between education and industry.

The Future of Competitive Gaming Education Beyond 2026

Beyond esports 2026, the intersection of competitive gaming and education will likely deepen. Analysts foresee a future where esports becomes as normalized as traditional athletics, with intramurals, leagues, and international tournaments structured at school and university levels.

The global shift toward online learning has also paved the way for hybrid esports education models, combining remote play with in-person coaching. Additionally, certifications in health and psychology related to esports are expected to emerge, helping educators manage player wellness and team dynamics effectively.

Cross-border collaborations may soon unite students from different regions in global esports competitions, promoting cultural exchange and digital diplomacy through gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can esports help improve students’ academic performance?

Yes. Organized esports can boost focus, strategic thinking, and time management. Students in competitive gaming education often show stronger problem-solving and teamwork skills that support academic success.

2. What are the career opportunities for students who study esports?

Students can pursue careers in event management, broadcasting, analytics, marketing, and game design. Many esports 2026 programs also prepare graduates for tech and media-related fields.

3. How do schools choose which games to include in their esports programs?

Schools select games that promote teamwork, critical thinking, and inclusivity. Titles like Rocket League and League of Legends are common in gaming programs in schools due to their balance of strategy and accessibility.

4. Do esports programs promote diversity and inclusion in education?

Yes. Esports welcomes students from all backgrounds, offering equal opportunities regardless of physical ability or gender. Many schools use competitive gaming education to foster inclusivity and community.

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Technology

Xpoint secures new growth funding supercharging RMG geolocation innovation – Casino & games

Published

6 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Bettor Capital leads the round as Xpoint accelerates product development and global deployment.

Xpoint, a leading geolocation and compliance technology partner to the online real‑money gaming industry, today announced a fresh investment round led by existing investor Bettor Capital.

The capital will fast‑track Xpoint’s R&D roadmap and expand its product and engineering teams, accelerating delivery of next‑generation capabilities to operators worldwide.

Built for gaming from the ground up, Xpoint’s adaptable platform combines fast, accurate precision geofencing with advanced fraud detection to stop spoofing, block unauthorised wagers and surface suspicious activity in real time, helping operators launch and scale confidently in online real-money gaming markets.

With flexible integration and rapid deployment tailored to sportsbook, iCasino, lottery, DFS and sweepstakes use cases, Xpoint provides audit ready compliance automation across multi-state and international markets. The platform also offers unique, patent-pending algorithms at jurisdictional borders to protect revenues and reduce player friction and drop off.

Xpoint’s recent momentum includes successful active and pending deployments with leading brands such as Bet365 and PrizePicks in North America, with more to be announced soon. Xpoint is also live with clients in Brazil and the UAE, including the UAE Lottery and Play971, the first regulated online gaming and sports betting entity in the region.

“This new funding lands at the perfect time for our growth,” said Manu Gambhir, CEO of Xpoint. “We’re scaling up our teams to ship a wave of new capabilities that help operators defeat location spoofing, streamline compliance and convert more good users – without compromising on precision, scale, or speed.”

“We are delighted to significantly increase our commitment to Xpoint to accelerate product development and deployment”, added David Van Egmond, founder and managing Partner at Bettor Capital. “In this industry, robust regulatory and compliance technology is absolutely essential and Xpoint has proven to consistently deliver substantial value to a growing roster of real-money online gaming operators.”

New Jersey–based Bettor Capital is a venture capital firm specialising in early‑stage investments in technology companies within the real‑money online gaming ecosystem. Bettor Capital was among Xpoint’s first institutional backers and has increased its investment over time.

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Technology

ASUS Seizes Market Leadership in the OLED Monitor Market as Shipments Soar in 2025

Published

9 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ASUS today announced that it has claimed the No. 1 position in global OLED monitor market share, following a surge in sales throughout 2025. According to independent market research firm TrendForce, ASUS now holds an estimated 21.9% share, surpassing competitors and cementing its leadership in this fast-growing market.

This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to delivering more than just monitors – it reflects a user-first strategy focused on elevating the overall display experience. By expanding its OLED portfolio across both QD-OLED and WOLED technologies for gaming, professional, and creator segments, ASUS ensures solutions are tailored to diverse user needs. Unique innovations such as OLED Care Pro, Neo Proximity Sensor, TrueBlack Glossy, and DisplayWidget Center go beyond performance, enhancing usability, longevity, and visual immersion. This consumer-centric approach transforms OLED monitors into a complete experience, driving user preference for ASUS products and solidifying the company’s position as the No. 1 OLED market leader.

Driving growth through innovation and diversity
ASUS is accelerating its OLED momentum through a broad, innovation-driven portfolio that spans gaming, creator, and professional segments – leveraging advanced panel technologies, robust burn-in protection, and rapid product launches to meet the needs of a diverse and growing user base.

Broad product lineup: ASUS launched a wide array of OLED monitors in 2025, targeting everything from competitive esports to high-fidelity content creation.
Advanced OLED technologies: New models, such as the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W and ROG Strix OLED XG27AQWMG, integrate Tandem OLED technology and TrueBlack Glossy coating, delivering higher peak brightness, wider color volume and enhanced panel longevity.
Burn-in protection: Proprietary ASUS OLED Care Pro suite – including the Neo Proximity Sensor – helps safeguard panel lifespan by switching the display to a black screen when no user is detected.
Rapid product cadence: In early 2025, ASUS introduced the 27-inch QD-OLED ROG Swift PG27UCDM (4K @ 240 Hz) and the blazing-fast ROG Strix XG27AQDPG (1440p QD-OLED @ 500 Hz).

Market momentum and strategic vision
TrendForce data reveals that OLED monitor shipments are growing at a breakneck pace – surging by 65% year over year in Q3 2025, with global shipments reaching 644,000 units. The increasing popularity of OLED displays for gaming has been a major, but not the only factor in this growth. As OLED panel technology continues to gain traction among gamers, the strategic investment and execution by ASUS have allowed it to rise swiftly in market share, overtaking long-time rivals.

Beyond gaming, ASUS ProArt OLED monitors are a favorite among content creators who need to pair next-level contrast and color performance with professional-grade accuracy, multiple HDR format support, wide-ranging connectivity, and intelligent calibration tools. ASUS ZenScreen OLED monitors give PC users of all kinds the superior color performance of OLED panels in a portable form factor.

Vincent Chiou, ASUS Global Vice President and General Manager of the Display Business Unit, observed: “ASUS has long been dedicated to innovation in display technology and impeccable quality. In addition to receiving high praise from gamers, the industry-leading ROG gaming monitors and the ProArt series designed for content creators have also made significant inroads into portable and medical fields, earning widespread recognition and favor. Moving forward, ASUS will continue to prioritize user needs at its core, delivering an unparalleled visual experience to consumers.”

The ASUS commitment to innovation

PC users of all kinds can expect to see ASUS to continue to innovate in this space with new OLED monitors that debut new panel technologies into diverse form factors, deliver enhanced reliability and performance in a variety of usage scenarios, and push the envelope with even higher-performance designs.

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Technology

Brightspeed invests $580,000 in STEM and esports, supporting North Carolina schools and programs — EdTech Innovation Hub

Published

14 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The new funding announced will support schemes including $350,000 in sponsorship of the Coca Cola All Stars Golden Ticket contest, Formula STEM Esports Cup and the Player League Madden NFL tournament.

Brightspeed will also act as a primary sponsor for two Bright Future Tech Labs in Triton High School and Orange High School, with funding worth more than $200,000.

The company will also spend $15,000 on scholarships, equipment, and esports program travel for Wesleyan University and $10,000 on a grant supporting the Rocky Mount High School Gryphon Elite esports team.

Brightspeed has also announced sponsorship for the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department’s four-part esports tournament, called the Battle in the Forest.

“Investing in technology education and esports is a natural extension of our commitment to North Carolina,” explains Sabrina Anderson, Local Marketing Manager at Brightspeed.

“As we build a world-class fiber network across our home state, we’re equally focused on expanding opportunities for the students who will power our communities tomorrow. These initiatives give young people hands-on access to the tools, skills and experiences that prepare them for the digital future.”

“This scholarship will help ease the financial burden my parents carry in supporting my academic journey,” adds Shafiq Nuijts, a Wesleyan University student and recipient of Brightspeed funded scholarship. “It will also allow me to focus more deeply on my education and my internship this upcoming summer. As an international student, my experience has always involved balancing the challenges of maintaining my F-1 status, keeping a high GPA and reassuring my parents that their investment in me is being put to meaningful use. This scholarship affirms that commitment and motivates me to continue striving for excellence.”

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Technology

Gaming Computers Market to Reach USD 95 Billion by 2034, Growing

Published

18 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Gaming Computers Market

Pune, India – Exactitude Consultancy – The global Gaming Computers Market is expected to witness strong growth over the forecast period, driven by the rising popularity of esports, increasing demand for high-performance computing, and continuous advancements in graphics and processor technologies. The market, valued at approximately USD 44 billion in 2024, is projected to reach nearly USD 95 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 7.9%.

Gaming computers, including desktops and laptops, are designed to deliver superior performance, high-resolution graphics, and fast processing speeds to support immersive gaming experiences. Growing online gaming communities and professional gaming platforms are further accelerating market growth.

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Key Growth Drivers

• Rapid Growth of Esports and Online Gaming: Competitive gaming tournaments and streaming platforms are boosting demand for high-performance gaming systems.

• Advancements in Hardware Technology: Continuous improvements in GPUs, CPUs, cooling systems, and memory are enhancing gaming performance.

• Rising Disposable Income: Increasing consumer spending on premium electronics is supporting adoption of gaming computers.

• Expansion of Virtual and Augmented Reality Gaming: Demand for powerful computing systems to support VR and AR applications is increasing.

Market Segmentation Insights

By product type, gaming desktops hold a significant share due to superior customization and performance, while gaming laptops continue to gain popularity for portability.

By price range, mid-range and high-end systems dominate the market, driven by demand from professional and enthusiast gamers.

By end user, individual consumers account for the largest share, followed by gaming cafes and esports organizations.

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Regional Overview

Asia-Pacific represents the largest and fastest-growing regional market, supported by a large gamer population, strong esports culture, and expanding gaming infrastructure in countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, and India.

North America shows strong growth driven by high adoption of advanced gaming hardware and a mature esports ecosystem.

Europe continues to expand steadily due to rising gaming participation and technological innovation.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging regions, supported by increasing internet penetration and growing gaming communities.

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Competitive Landscape

The gaming computers market is highly competitive, with major players focusing on performance optimization, innovative designs, and brand partnerships. Companies are investing in advanced cooling technologies, RGB customization, and AI-enabled performance tuning to differentiate their offerings.

Market Outlook

With the gaming industry continuing to evolve rapidly, the Gaming Computers Market is expected to experience sustained growth through 2034. Increasing esports adoption, next-generation gaming technologies, and expanding digital entertainment consumption will remain key drivers of market expansion.

This report is also available in the following languages : Japanese (ゲーミングコンピュータ市場), Korean (게이밍 컴퓨터 시장), Chinese (游戏电脑市场), French (Marché des ordinateurs de jeu), German (Markt für Gaming-Computer), and Italian (Mercato dei computer da gioco), etc.

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About Us

Exactitude Consultancy is a market research & consulting services firm which helps its client to address their most pressing strategic and business challenges. Our market research helps clients to address critical business challenges and also helps make optimized business decisions with our fact-based research insights, market intelligence, and accurate data.

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