The launch of an internationally-recognized U.S. National Esports Team enables NASEF to offer significant new strategic opportunities while expanding tournament recognition throughout North America 

(February 10, 2022, Atlanta, GA) – USEF (United States Esports Federation) and NASEF (North America Scholastic Esports Federation) are partnering to bolster the U.S. national esports ecosystem through education and training. Esports are booming, and students across the nation are excited to play at an elite level. In this relatively new arena, esports athletes need guidance for high-level events  alongside education about being healthy competitors with a vision for their future pathways in esports-related careers.

The USEF is recognized by the International Esports Federation as the National Governing Body for esports as a competitive sport; NASEF is widely known as the premier esports education organization. The two will now work together to provide access to nationally and internationally sanctioned tournaments, in addition to offering curriculum, education expertise, and workforce pathways to the U.S. national esports team program.   

NASEF leverages massive student interest in team-based competitive video gaming, offering meaningful career and STEM education alongside tournaments. Students learn about possible career pathways, enter Beyond the Game™ creative and analytic challenges, manage clubs and events and fundraising, and compete in tournaments in popular titles including Rocket League, Chess, and Minecraft. 

USEF is a not-for-profit that provides a national center of excellence for the betterment of U.S. esports athletes. USEF recently chartered the national esports team branded as USA Esport™. USA Esport™ offers a safe and healthy team environment where qualified U.S. athletes can represent their country.   

USA Esport™ will discover, qualify, and send athletes to the World Championships in Bali, Indonesia later in 2022. As recognized members of the Pan-American Esports Federation (PAESF), USEF is also looking to field competitive teams in the Pan-Am event in 2022.

“Our shared vision is based on an educated, safe, and healthy community. This partnership will result in helping us recruit and retain excellent athletes while opening more doors to education. Ultimately, we want to identify smart and coachable athletes to compete in globally sanctioned events while wearing symbols of national pride,” said David Geddes, President, USEF.

USEF and NASEF’s objective is to create and foster competitive esports programs through the lens of academics across the nation’s middle schools and high schools. This will serve as a pipeline for U.S. esports competitors by providing better access to training, high-quality sanctioned tournaments, and pro-level advisement to schools and students. Both organizations offer a unique focus on diversity with an emphasis on cultivating talent in underserved populations. USEF and NASEF provide a pathway to valuable scholarships while preparing youth for careers in sports, entertainment, and the video game industry.

“Research demonstrates the effectiveness of esports as a tool for meaningful STEM and social-emotional learning,” said Gerald Solomon, founder and executive director of NASEF. “Through this partnership with USEF, we will work to jointly build meaningful connections between esports play and learning. Of course, students will be thrilled to see the opportunity to potentially participate on a U.S. representative team. We’re excited to collaborate with USEF and its U.S. athletes.” 

Learn more at the NASEF website or the USEF website. Schools across the nation are invited to join NASEF and follow USA Esport to tap into their events and resources.

About NASEF

The North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) is on a mission to provide opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire STEM/STEAM-based skills and critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. NASEF operates under the umbrella of the World Wide Scholastic Esports Foundation (WWSEF). Find NASEF at NASEF.org and on Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

About the United States Esports Federation – USA Esport™

The United States Esports Federation (USEF) is the not-for-profit [501c3] official governing body for esport in the US, as recognized by the International Esports Federation (IESF). USEF has a natural responsibility to promote, grow, and develop quality programs addressing athlete safety and wellbeing. Guided by USEF standards and policies, USA Esport™ - the Official National Esports Team™ proudly engages a thriving digital culture powered by donors, sponsors, and fans. Find USEF / USA Esport™ on all social media channels, Twitch and Discord too! www.esportsfederation.org www.usaesport.com

Media Contacts

Claire LaBeaux, NASEF Communications Director, [email protected]

David Geddes, USEF Interim President, [email protected]