Last weekend, the High School Esports League (HSEL) held their semi-finals across a host of games. Now it’s time for the HSEL Fall Major Playoffs to begin! The playoffs started yesterday with Overwatch and NBA 2K20, but there’s way more to come yet.

These students are fighting to prove they are the best in the HSEL, as well as for money for college. Pride is great, but money for your education is far greater, in this writer’s opinion. But what games are coming? Don’t worry, we have you covered.

What’s Being Played, What’s on the Line

30,000 dollars worth of scholarship money is on the line in the HSEL Fall Playoffs! Now, it doesn’t sound like a lot, thanks to the ridiculous cost of American education, but anything helps in the long run. The greatest teams in North America’s high school scene are prepped to do battle. Below we have the full schedule, as well as the brackets in the hyperlinks.

So if you’re a fan of CS:GO, Fortnite, Hearthstone, Overwatch, Smite, R6:Siege, Rocket League, Smite, Super Smash Bros, Madden 20 and NBA2K20, here’s your chance to watch some up and coming talent in the world of esports.

Full Schedule:

Monday, December 16, 2019 – 6:00 pm CST: Overwatch* & NBA 2K20 (Xbox One/PlayStation 4)

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 – 6:00 pm CST: Rainbow Six: Siege* (PC/Xbox One/PlayStation 4) & Minecraft

Wednesday, December 18, 2019- 6:00 pm CST: Rocket League* & Super Smash Bros: Ultimate

Thursday, December 19, 2019- 6:00 pm CST: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive* & Hearthstone

Friday, December 20, 2019- 6:00 pm CST: Smite, Fortnite, & Madden 20 (Xbox One/PlayStation 4)

Matches indicated with a * mean you can watch them at Varsity Network live.

The matches will be streamed on the aforementioned Varsity Network, at 6 pm CST every weekday. This started yesterday with Overwatch and NBA 2K20 and will continue until Friday, December 20th, 2019. Several major esports talents will be on hand to host the tournaments. Names include FBI_Tugboat, Irelique, topical_tv, Velly, and Zark.

Personally, I’m most excited for Smite and Hearthstone. I’m always game to see intense Smite battles, though (even though I’m still waiting on the return of Ranked Arena).

Register for the HSEL Winter Open

Are you a North American High School student, but missed out on this year’s HSEL? Well, fear not: the Winter Open is coming. Though the HSEL is partnered with over 2,100 schools and 60,000 students across North America, the thing I like most is you can take part from the comfort of your own home. Even if your school isn’t taking part, you have a shot at esports success!

As the HSEL Fall Majors come to a close, the HSEL Winter Open is set to begin on January 20, 2020. Registration is now available to all North American high school students, even those from a non-HSEL-partnered high school.

The Winter Open season begins on January 20, running until February 28, 2020. Finals and prior qualifying matches take place in March. Registration is just $30 USD per student and closes on January 17, 2020. Students, teachers/advisors, and existing esports clubs can register their teams to compete in the HSEL Winter Open here.

Having esports leagues, especially at this formative age is important. Esports still has a long way to go to feel legitimate in many people’s eyes, but we are glad to see this High School Esports League really take off.

The HSEL has certified STEM.org programs, scholarships, and a stable tournament platform. They report improved engagement, higher GPAs, and better career prospects, which is certainly a positive. I hope that the HSEL continues to positively impact students across North America.