Stauffer Middle School of Downey Unified School District and Los Nietos Middle School of Los Nietos School District captured first-place honors at the inaugural Esports Cyber Challenge – Los Angeles County Cup, hosted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) on May 30.

Stauffer Middle School earned the championship title in the Esports Challenge, while Los Nietos Middle School took top honors in the Cyber Challenge. The event brought together 80 middle school students representing 14 school districts from across Los Angeles County to compete in Rocket League esports matches and cybersecurity challenges designed to test teamwork, communication, critical thinking and digital problem-solving skills.

Esports Challenge Winners

• 1st Place: Stauffer Middle School (Downey Unified School District)
• 2nd Place: Palmdale School District All Stars (Palmdale School District)
• 3rd Place: Davis Middle School (Compton Unified School District)

Cyber Challenge Winners

• 1st Place: Los Nietos Middle School (Los Nietos School District)
• 2nd Place: Traweek Middle School (Covina-Valley Unified School District)
• 3rd Place: Santa Monica Middle School (Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District)

Nearly 250 students, educators, family members and industry representatives attended the event, which combined competitive esports, cybersecurity challenges, career exploration opportunities and technology demonstrations. The countywide competition reflects the growing role of esports in education as schools seek innovative ways to engage students while developing future-ready skills and exposing them to emerging career pathways.

"Today's students are growing up in a digital world, and events like the Esports Cyber Challenge help them see themselves not only as competitors, but as future innovators, cybersecurity professionals, engineers, broadcasters and technology leaders," said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. "This event reflects our commitment to creating engaging learning opportunities that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing workforce."

Other participating schools included Jones Middle School (Baldwin Park Unified School District), Audubon Middle School (Los Angeles Unified School District), Lennox Middle School (Lennox School District), Lakeside Middle School (Little Lake City School District), Edgewood Middle School (West Covina Unified School District), Hawthorne School District, RAP Will Rogers & Jane Addams (Lawndale Elementary School District) and Dexter Middle School (Whittier City School District).

In addition to the competitions, students attended a College and Career Esports Panel featuring several high school esports coaches, Eric T. Elder of the Los Angeles Regional Consortium (LARC), former NFL offensive lineman Rodger Saffold of RISE Nation and Elijah Dunn Jr., founder of U18 Esports Inc. Panelists shared insights about career opportunities in esports, technology, education, entrepreneurship, broadcasting and workforce development.

Students also had the opportunity to engage with vendors showcasing the latest innovations in esports, cybersecurity and educational technology.

The event highlighted the growing role of esports in K-12 education as schools seek innovative ways to engage students while developing communication, leadership teamwork and technology skills. Several districts throughout Los Angeles County are exploring opportunities to expand esports programming to younger grade levels, including elementary schools.

To learn more about LACOE’s Esports Network, please reach out to esports@lacoe.edu.