# The Power of Gaming: Stadium Revolutionizes Esports Competitions
Esports has revolutionized the world of competitive gaming, and its impact is no longer limited to high schools and middle schools in North America. PlayVS, the company that pioneered esports in educational institutions, has now unveiled its latest innovation: Stadium, a digital-first esports competition platform. Stadium is designed to cater to a wide audience, including community groups, organizations, and informal teams, offering flexible competition settings and increasing accessibility for players of all ages.
## Breaking Barriers: The Features of Stadium
Stadium builds upon the success of PlayVS’s original platform for scholastic competition, expanding its reach to a broader audience. Unlike the original platform, Stadium allows for a more diverse range of event types, from open community tournaments to exclusive organizational events. The competition settings can be public, private, or hidden, giving organizers the freedom to tailor their events to their specific needs.
One of the key features of Stadium is its inclusivity. Unlike traditional sports teams, teams participating in Stadium are not required to have an institutional affiliate or designated coach. This allows gaming enthusiasts to organize and participate in competitions on their own terms. Stadium supports both simple tournaments created by third-party partners and more complex competitions managed by PlayVS, providing a versatile platform for gaming enthusiasts of all levels.
## The Positive Impact of Esports
Esports has had a profound positive impact on students, enhancing their leadership skills and creating a sense of community. According to a study, 83% of coaches have noted enhanced leadership skills in their students, while 57% of students reported feeling like they’re part of a community through esports. With the launch of Stadium, PlayVS aims to extend the positive influence of esports beyond the school environment and foster inclusivity and competition among gamers.
Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS, emphasizes the significance of Stadium for the esports industry. He states, “Our goal has always been to increase accessibility to esports, and now this removes even more barriers for players. Between our extensive partner network and the amazing community of students and coaches, our hope is that Stadium ignites a new era of inclusivity and more competition for gamers.”
## Expanding Opportunities: Beyond School Programs
Since its inception in 2018, PlayVS has facilitated over 250,000 matches and crowned over 900 state champions in the U.S. and Canada. The average esports program has become comparable to traditional sports teams, providing students with a sense of community and camaraderie. However, not all schools have esports programs, and some students may want to compete with friends from neighboring schools. Stadium’s capabilities address these limitations, allowing players to compete even if their school doesn’t have an esports program or if they simply want to compete outside of school.
## Origins and Future Growth
PlayVS was founded in 2018 by Delane Parnell, who envisioned high schools as a platform for social change through esports and gaming. After raising over $100 million in funding and gaining traction in the esports industry, Parnell resigned as CEO, and Jon Chapman took over in June 2023. Under Chapman’s leadership, PlayVS has grown to be used in 5,000 schools and has 85 employees.
Chapman envisions PlayVS expanding its reach to 25,000 schools in the next five years. He believes that esports can bridge the gap between different social groups, allowing gamers of all backgrounds to come together. Surveys conducted by PlayVS reveal that esports events have led to improved mental health and leadership skills among students. Chapman sees PlayVS as a positive force for good, providing opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities and fostering inclusivity in gaming.
## Conclusion
PlayVS’s Stadium is poised to revolutionize esports competitions, offering a versatile platform for gamers of all ages and skill levels. Through increased accessibility and inclusivity, Stadium aims to create a new era of competition and community in the esports industry. As esports continues to grow and evolve, PlayVS is at the forefront, providing opportunities for students and gaming enthusiasts to unleash their competitive spirit and reap the benefits of esports.