Seventeen-year-old Ethan Hay has turned his childhood hobby of playing video games into serious competition as a junior at Vista PEAK Preparatory School in Aurora. Starting with the XBOX 360 and Wii games at the age of 8, Hay has now become a three-time regional champion in e-sports, dominating opponents across Colorado and New Mexico.
With e-sports gaining popularity and recognition by the Colorado High School Sports Association, more than 60 schools now have e-sports teams. Hay’s success in Madden NFL has not only earned him trophies for his school but also sparked interest from colleges offering scholarships.
Beyond the financial benefits, playing e-sports has given Hay a boost in self-esteem, which he carries onto the football field as a tackle football player for VPP. Despite the stigma surrounding video games, Hay sees it as a legitimate sport that requires skill and dedication.
His mother, Melissa Hay, initially against video games, has now embraced her son’s success and changed her perspective. She believes that e-sports could lead to potential careers and scholarships for students like Ethan.
While Ethan may have missed out on a national title this time, he is determined to come back stronger as a senior and secure a win. With his eyes set on the future, Ethan Hay is proving that e-sports is not just a game but a pathway to success and recognition.