Springfield Capitols ESports program competed at State Finals in Chicago

Over the weekend, a couple Central Illinois ESports programs left the area for Chicago.

The Springfield Capitols of District 186 and Charleston High School competed in the IHSA state finals for competitive video gaming.

Students face off against over a dozen schools in games like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros and Rocket League.

ESports has seen a surge in recent years. And you can even earn scholarships for playing video games.

Capitols head coach Adam Martin said collegiate recruiters (such as Bradley University) were in Chicago.

He’s excited how much the sport has grown over the years.

“It’s awesome. I’m 41 years-old. And I spent my entire almost didn’t graduate from college because I game too much,” he joked. “But nothing on this level. Nothing at the school or collegiate level. And so it’s impressive, and it really provides an out for some of these students that don’t fit into maybe basketball or football or soccer. And then we have some to do. They play both.”

Also, Danville Area Community College won their fourth national championship, this time for Mario Kart, over the weekend.

Head coach Guido Estevez told me this January the school provides scholarships for members of the ESports program.