High school gaming giants headed to the University of Cincinnati's 1819 Innovation Hub in early April to compete in one of Esports Ohio's regional tournaments.
While these high schoolers battled through intense rounds of games like Valorant and Rocket League, they also gained soft skills such as collaboration, problem-solving and technological prowess.
As the nerve center of the Cincinnati Innovation District, 1819 inspires high school students to tap into their innovative potential. Through the love of Esports and close competition, Esports Ohio's members supercharged their skills through exhausting - yet rewarding - gaming rounds at 1819.
Esports teams across Southwest Ohio traveled to 1819 to show off their skills in many of today's most popular games. Below were Esports Ohio's Southwest regional winners:
- Overwatch 2: First place - Kettering Fairmont High School; Second place - St. Xavier High School
- Rocket League: First place - Beavercreek High School; Second place - Fairborn High School
- Super Smash Brothers Ultimate: First place - Beavercreek High School; Second place - Princeton High School
- Valorant: First place - Centerville High School; Second place - St. Xavier High School
While the tournament delivered plenty of laughs and fierce competition, organizer Dawn Stamper notes that Esports Ohio's mission goes beyond the game: "To create a world where electronic sports are embraced as a positive educational and developmental change agent for all students."
The trip to 1819 also introduced students to the building's various educational and career opportunities. The 1819 Innovation Hub serves as a gateway connecting high school students to the University of Cincinnati, while also serving as a front door for industry partners seeking to engage and cultivate the next generation of talent.
Esports is known to have tangible benefits for students. "Esports teaches and strengthens the skills that employers look for," Stamper says, "such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, time management and strong work ethic."
The 1819 Esports Innovation Lab boasts more than 40 high-end gaming computers, a private competition room, a community lounge and the 1819 Broadcast Studio. In other words, it provided the perfect space for Esports Ohio to host its regional tournament.
Winning teams are now wrapping up preparations for state finals on April 26 and 27, when a state champion will be revealed. Regional champions are ready to bring a gold medal back to Southwest Ohio this year - and they're equally excited about 2026, when 1819 will host the state finals.
Featured image at top: Students posing at the 2025 Esports Ohio Southwest regionals. Photo/Gianna DiMona
