Clayton Valley Charter hosted nine teams at first ever Scholastic eSports Invitational
CONCORD, CA (June 18, 2025) — Clayton Valley Charter High School hosted its very first CVCHS Scholastic eSports Invitational last month, with nine college and high school teams from across California. The event not only featured a variety of games but also fostered a sense of belonging for the eSports community.
The energy from the competition could be felt from outside the A-wing doors at the Concord school as screens flashed and students cheered. The event ran all day and featured a plethora of live competitions such as Super Smash Bros and Valorant tournaments in various classrooms.
In the hallway just a few feet outside the tournaments, student projects from the Computer Game Programming and Design Academy were displayed. This provided opportunities for fellow students, educators and industry professionals to collaborate and network.
Anthony Anderson is the administrative lead for the CVCHS Programming Academy, which focuses on computer science and game design and development. He played a critical role in planning the eSports Invitational and detailed the importance of such an event, which provides insight into potential career pathways for the students.
“The main goal and aspiration of this event was to connect the entire eSports ecosystem, looking at industry, educators and students from all grade levels,” said Anderson. “We’re basically bringing K-14 to industry. The event’s goal was aimed towards getting students into careers, not just about gaming.”
One of the most notable events of the eSports Invitational was the Valorant Tournament, which included Pretty Pink Princesses, Evergreen Valley College, Ohlone College Renegades and Clayton Valley Charter High School. The Clayton Valley alumni team ended up winning the tournament, bringing pride to the host school.
Following the showcases and various tournaments at the eSports Invitational, Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer handed out awards to the tournament winners.
CVCHS senior Alan Richardson noted his four years in the Programming Academy, which began in the game design class. He specified the skills and values he has learned from eSports, as well as how he can apply them to real-life.
“Esports has been a really good way to work with different teams and get used to talking to strangers, which is something you do in real-life all the time,” said Richardson. “You really get used to getting out of your comfort zone and just having fun with different teammates.”
Through events like this, the CVCHS eSports team expands its reach to both students and the community. Although centered around gaming, the focus of the day highlighted the many career opportunities available to the dedicated academy students.