Inaugural Kent County Cup Esports Tournament Combines Competition & Education

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Game on! Kent ISD is welcoming high school students to compete in the first Kent County Cup, a Super Smash Bros esports tournament happening Saturday, April 27 at Kent Career Tech Center. The competition is open to all students in grades 9 – 12 in Kent County and the Thornapple-Kellogg school district. It’s limited to 128 players and registration is underway now.

“Esports is a growing, world-wide $200 billion industry. Skills learned through esports apply to media production, health sciences, marketing, HR, event management, and computer development”, said Ryan Graham, Director of Workforce Development for Kent ISD. “Students are earning full ride scholarships as esports athletes on collegiate teams enabling them to earn degrees in many areas of study. The Kent County Cup is an opportunity to see esports in action and interact with representatives from colleges, business, and our Workforce Development team at Kent ISD.”

In addition to student participation in the Super Smash Bros tournament on April 27, parents and interested community members are encouraged to attend workshops from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Each session is designed to help parents better understand the world of esports and how to support the interests and career development of their gaming enthusiasts.

The Kent County Cup, created by Kent ISD in partnership with Aquinas College Esports, and sponsored by BizStream, West Michigan Tech Talent and Steelcase, takes places at Kent Career Tech Center on Saturday, April 27. Registration to join the competition closes on April 20. Prizes include the Kent County Cup Championship Belt, Steelcase gaming chairs and more. Lunch and additional prizes will be supplied for competitors.

Please direct media inquiries to Joy Walczak, Kent ISD Communications Specialist at joywalczak@kentisd.org or 906.632.6290.