BERWYN, PA (August 13, 2024) – Playfly Sports, the fan-focused and data-driven leader in sports media, marketing and technology, today announced a partnership with George Fox University to host and produce the Oregon High School Esports Championship in May 2025.
“We are thrilled to host Oregon’s inaugural in-person High School Esports Championship,” said Miles Dean, Director and Head Coach of Esports at George Fox. “We wanted to enhance the experience from the previous year when some students competed in the championship from their homes.”
The championship will take place at the Bruins’ Esports Arena in the Wheeler Sports Complex, a 2,500-square-foot venue equipped with 40 top-of-the-line MSI gaming stations and premium gaming chairs. This makes George Fox the premier destination for gaming and esports in Oregon.
“We are eagerly anticipating the chance to welcome the qualifying high school teams and provide them with an exceptional competitive experience,” Dean added.
The spring championship will see competition in popular games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Last year, North Bend High School secured the wins in Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, while Wilsonville won Rocket League.
“It’s amazing to be able to bring a championship LAN to Oregon so quickly,” said Joe Navarro, Playfly Esports Operations Manager. “We’ve already seen great initiative last year from individuals in our community – Madras’ Beau Herman leading IT conversations, Wilsonville’s Connor Larsen driving off-campus initiatives, etc. Those conversations in turn have attracted collegiate interest, including support from Miles Dean and the esports program at George Fox.”
“With so many people excited for high school esports and the growing appetite in the community, it was essential that we culminate everything at an in-person event this year.”
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ABOUT PLAYFLY SPORTS
Playfly Sports is a sports media, marketing and technology business centered around the team, league, brand and network. Believing in ‘Fandom as a Service’ and focusing on a consultative, data-driven approach to REACH, ENGAGE, MONETIZE AND MEASURE FANDOM gives the company’s partners and brands a competitive advantage. Playfly connects more than 2,000 brand partners and over 100 sports properties and entities to approximately 85% of all U.S. sports fans. Through the proprietary platform, the business delivers scalable, data-oriented marketing, technology, and media solutions with capabilities including exclusive MMR management, sponsorship sales and activation, streaming, consulting, ticket/premium sales, all along with new revenue-driving platforms and technologies. Founded in September of 2020, Playfly Sports is now home to approximately 1,000 team members located across 43 U.S. states dedicated to maximizing the impact of highly passionate local sports fans. Follow Playfly Sports on social media @PlayflySports or visit www.playfly.com, and for more on esports follow @PlayflyGG on social media or visit playflycollege.gg.
ABOUT GEORGE FOX ESPORTS
George Fox University’s Esports Program, which began in Fall 2021, has experienced rapid growth, capturing a National Championship and earning multiple national and conference titles. Initially starting with just a few computers, the program now operates from its own space in the Sports Complex and has grown by over 80% annually.
For the 2024 academic year, GFU Esports plans to enhance its broadcast production and update its artistic style to attract more students and generate greater interest. The program also aims to host live events and establish partnerships with Oregon high schools and universities, solidifying its position as the leading varsity esports program in the state.
