Esports Team members interested in participating in the annual detail Spartan Showdown solo tournament have been preparing for the match by practicing and discussing game strategies with fellow teammates. The competition, hosted by Manchester University, will take place on Nov. 23 and is open for all high school students in the U.S. to attend. The top eight players will receive a $3,000 dollar Esports scholarship to Manchester University.

Tyler Kern, assistant coach of the Esports Team said that the preparation students put into the event is more than whatever outcome the match results in.

“Sure, we’ve had winners in the past,” said Kern. “But the thing I’m looking for in the kids is their willingness to improve. The collaboration and communication between teammates is key and that’s what I encourage them to develop.”

In addition to the $3,000 Esports scholarship to Manchester University, the top three competitors will be awarded with placement medals, first place will bring home a champion trophy and all players will receive a Manchester bag representing the university’s Esports team.

“Events like these are a good experience for kids to go through during their gaming career,” Kern stated. “With in-person matches, seeing your opponent before you solidifies that there are real stakes on the line, and I’ve seen that inspire kids to take risks and expand their gameplay in ways they might not have thought to make before.”

Senior Jacob Hilbert is a varsity player in the Esports Smash Ultimate Team. It will be his fourth year competing in the Spartan Showdown.

Hilbert states, “I checked the registry, and it looked like over 165 kids were registered already. One of the top youth players of the region is attending as well, so I’m excited to try to play against him. There’s a lot of kids I want a rematch against, and it’s always fun to meet new people.”

As the Spartan Showdown only occurs annually, this leaves students with only four opportunities to compete given that they participate for all four years of their highschool career. This will be Hilbert’s last game as a member of the Esports Team.

“By this point, I don’t really feel nerves anymore,” Hilbert said. “I focus more on looking forward to meeting new people and recognizing the familiar faces.”