Longview ISD’s esports program has delivered a dominant run across multiple regional tournaments, earning first-place finishes and five automatic bids to the TexSEF Undisputed State Championship.
The momentum began at the Brownsboro “Brawl in the Boro” tournament, where Longview Esports earned first place in both the high school and middle school divisions. The high school team secured an automatic bid to the TexSEF Undisputed State Championship in April, setting the tone for what would become a commanding stretch of competition.
That success continued the following week at the Region 7 ESC esports tournament in Kilgore. Longview ISD students captured two additional first-place finishes, with Longview High School winning the high school championship and Foster Middle School claiming the middle school title. The two-day event featured 31 teams from 13 districts across East Texas.
Most recently, Longview ISD competed at the Hillsboro “Battle of the Boro” esports tournament, which featured more than 300 student competitors. Longview earned first place in Splatoon 3, securing another automatic state bid, and placed second in individual Super Smash Bros. competition out of 150 competitors, also earning a bid to the state championship.
In total, Longview Esports has secured five automatic bids to the TexSEF Undisputed State Championship through recent competition in Splatoon 3, Super Smash Bros, and Overwatch.
District leaders say the victories reflect years of intentional program development.
Longview ISD has built a comprehensive Gaming Science and Digital Arts program through its Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant, designed to prepare students for careers in technology, digital media and creative industries. Esports is one component of the broader Lobo Gaming initiative.
“This is what happens when students are given access to real tools, high expectations and meaningful opportunities,” said Ben Woods, chief technology officer and MSAP director.
“Our Gaming Science and Digital Arts program is built to develop future-ready skills, teamwork, strategy, broadcast production, digital design and leadership. The competitive success we’re seeing confirms the program is delivering exactly what it was designed to do.”
The district’s Lobo Gaming program operates at Clarence W. Bailey Elementary School, Forest Park Middle School and LEAD Academy High School, creating a structured pathway from early digital exploration to advanced production and competition. Longview Esports represents the competitive arm of the program and is open to students districtwide.
At Bailey, students explore digital storytelling, creative design and foundational coding. At Forest Park, students engage in 3D modeling, animation, game engines and team-based esports competition. At LEAD Academy, students produce full-scale digital projects, manage live broadcasts, build professional portfolios and pursue industry-recognized certifications.
Students train using professional-grade tools including Adobe Creative Cloud, Unreal Engine, Blender and broadcast production equipment. Participation in esports requires positive behavior, academic eligibility and strong attendance, reinforcing accountability beyond competition.
“This victory did not happen by chance,” said LaToria Williams, Longview High School esports coach.
“Our esports students consistently put in long hours of practice, analyze gameplay strategies, review mistakes, communicate effectively as a team and hold each other accountable. They balance academics, responsibilities and competition while striving for excellence every day. Their commitment to improvement, sportsmanship and resilience under pressure truly paid off.”
Jeremy Stout, Gaming and MSAP coordinator, said Longview ISD is helping lead the growth of scholastic esports in East Texas by hosting professional development for coaches and aligning curriculum with competitive opportunities.
“Our students are not just gamers,” Stout said.
“They are learning how to produce broadcasts, design graphics, develop games, manage live events and communicate strategically as a team. That combination of competitive play and real-world production experience is what makes this program stand out. The championships validate the level of preparation happening on our campuses every day.”
Colleges regularly attend regional tournaments to scout scholarship candidates, reinforcing esports as a legitimate pathway to postsecondary opportunities.
For Longview ISD, the message is clear: the district is not simply participating in esports, it is building one of the most comprehensive gaming and digital media pipelines in the region.
And the results are showing up on the scoreboard.