The energy was electric as 110 students from across Southern California gathered for an unforgettable weekend of competitive gaming at the City of STEM Esports Middle School Invitational on April 26-27,2025! The event, proudly sponsored by LACOE in partnership with the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation, showcased the incredible talent and sportsmanship of our region's middle school gamers.

A total of 32 teams representing 11 Los Angeles County and 4 Orange County schools battled it out in an intense single-elimination tournament both virtually and in-person at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The fast-paced action of Rocket League, the arcade-style soccer game featuring rocket-powered vehicles, created moments of nail-biting suspense and incredible teamwork throughout the competition.

After a series of thrilling matches livestreamed for fans, family and fellow students, Team Spartan DNA from Stauffer Middle School, from the Downey Unified School District, emerged as the champions! Their exceptional coordination, strategic play, and sportsmanship earned them the coveted first-place title. 

Bunche Middle School, from Compton Unified School District, claimed an impressive second-place finish, demonstrating remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament. The members of Team Spartan DNA and Bunche Middle School each received a signature Lollipop Labs trophy, tokens of their outstanding achievement. Additionally, members from Team Spartan DNA each received a $100 GameStop gift card, and their school was awarded $500 towards computer supplies to further support their esports program.

This invitational represents LACOE's ongoing commitment to integrating high-quality scholastic esports programs into schools, creating opportunities for career exploration and community building through play. Competitive gaming teaches students valuable skills including teamwork, strategic thinking, sportsmanship, and technical knowledge.

LACOE is currently developing Esports Professional Development opportunities for this summer. Educators and program leaders interested in building or enhancing their esports programs should mark their calendars for the upcoming Esports Network Meetings:

• September 17, 2025

• November 5, 2025

• January 21, 2026

• March 11, 2026

To register for these valuable networking events, please visit the LACOE website.

Congratulations again to all participants, and especially to our winners Team Spartan DNA and Bunche Middle School! Your dedication, sportsmanship and talent made this City of STEM Esports Middle School Invitational an incredible success!