Also known as electronic sports, esports is a form of competition that is facilitated through computer gaming. Most commonly, esports takes the form of organized, multiplayer online video game competitions. These competitions often incorporate live broadcasts with commentary and award prize money to competitors. Esports is also one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

TAEL serves elementary, middle, and high schools serving grades 3-12 private, public, charter, college-preparatory, home school, and virtual recognized by our the TN Department of Education.

We are also open to admitting community-based organizations on a case-by-case basis.

Examples of community-based organizations may include but are not limited to:

Credit Unions

Public libraries

Youth development programs (Girl Scouts, YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, 4-H, etc.)

Faith-based organizations (churches, synagogues, etc.)

STEM rich institutions (museums, planetariums, etc.)

Township or recreational teams

If your community-based organization serves students in grades 4-12 and you’re interested in bringing esports to your kids, let’s talk!

As the official league for academic esports in Tennessee, all teams must register HERE. It’s FREE to join TAEL, and registration provides access to exclusive league resources, events, and support for students and educators across the state.

All High School and Middle School teams must register with both TAEL and PlayVS, our official competition platform starting Fall 2025.

Elementary School teams only need to register with TAEL to participate in age-appropriate events and programming.

Students: Registration and activation must be completed by a school advisor. If you’re interested in bringing esports to your school, speak with a teacher, principal, or administrator and have them complete the registration on your behalf.

Community Organizations: The Tennessee Academic Esports League supports more than just schools—we welcome libraries, community centers, after-school programs, and more! If you're a community organization looking to use esports as an educational tool, we’d love to connect and get you into the game.

In 2019, Esports became the newest billion-dollar industry and is currently the fastest growing industry in the world. The ecosystem that has developed around the competition itself has sprawled out to include hundreds of professions. For every professional esports athlete, there are about 45 industry jobs most of which are STEM jobs. Esports in education can be used to provide students with hands on experience in these in-demand fields.

You might be thinking, it seems a little contradictory to form esports clubs on school campuses… After all, aren’t kids supposed to stay away from video games? You’d be shocked to find out the incredible benefits we’ve seen by combining the worlds of esports and education, including:

Forming inclusive communities

Helping students invest in their own education

Learning valuable skills

Enhancing education with our esports curriculums

Using esports to elevate STEM interests

Part of the Tennessee Academic Esports League mission is to ensure ALL gaming spaces are safe spaces for everyone. We are committed to growing and promoting diverse communities through TAEL competitions, curriculum, and experiences. Please see our anti-discrimination policy for more information.