Ethan Hay, a 17-year-old junior at Vista PEAK Preparatory School in Aurora, has turned his childhood hobby of playing video games into serious competition. Starting with the XBOX 360 at the age of 8, Hay has now become a three-time regional champion in e-sports, crushing opponents across Colorado and New Mexico.
Hay’s success in e-sports has not only earned him trophies for his school but also sparked interest from colleges offering scholarships. Despite the stigma surrounding video games, Hay sees e-sports as a legitimate sport that requires skill and strategy.
In addition to his virtual success, Hay has also taken his confidence to the football field, playing tackle football for VPP. His mother, Melissa Hay, who was initially against video games, now sees the potential for e-sports to lead to scholarships and careers.
While Hay recently faced a loss in a national game, he is determined to come back stronger as a senior and win. With the growing popularity of e-sports in high schools, Hay’s story serves as an inspiration for other young gamers looking to turn their passion into a competitive sport.
