The first official esports tournament in the state was held recently at the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Berna Facio Professional Development Center.
Approximately 350 people attended the New Mexico Championship Series, organized by teens from APS, according to KRQE.
"It's an event where all teams can play, no matter what age level," tournament organizer Titus Nichols, a junior at La Cueva High School, said. "No matter the team you are on, every team you have, you can put them in a tournament."
Four teams from across the state participated in the event, KRQE reported. It began with an open play that allowed anyone in the community to play video games such as Madden NFL, Super Smash Bros., and Rocket League. Rivals New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the University of New Mexico competed in a Rocket League match. A championship match between NMSU and La Cueva High School students followed.
The goal of tournament officials was to create a safe space for students to participate in a growing trend and build a community, according to KRQE. A former APS student said esports is more than just a hobby. Chris Simpson, a recent graduate of Del Norte High School, earned a scholarship to attend New Mexico Tech due to his participation in esports.
"It gave me a career," Simpson said. "It gave me a future, and it gave me a vision like, 'Okay, I can do this.'"
Organizers plan to offer the esports tournament as a reoccurring competition.