Yes, high school esports teams actively compete throughout the United States, with organized leagues and tournaments connecting schools across different states. I've witnessed significant growth in this space over the past few years, with several major organizations facilitating nationwide competition.

The High School Esports League (HSEL) and PlayVS are the two primary platforms that enable schools to compete against each other regardless of geographical location. These platforms host regular seasons and tournaments in popular games like League of Legends, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Currently, 23 states officially recognize esports as a varsity activity through their state athletic associations. This recognition allows schools to form official teams and compete in state championships, similar to traditional sports. Some notable states include:

Georgia
Kentucky
Virginia
Connecticut
Illinois

The competitive structure typically follows a seasonal format:

Fall Season (September-December)
Spring Season (January-May)
Optional summer tournaments

Teams primarily compete online, which eliminates travel costs and enables schools from different regions to face each other regularly. However, state championships and major tournaments often feature in-person events where teams travel to compete.

The average high school esports team consists of:

1-2 coaches (usually faculty members)
10-15 student players
Various game-specific rosters
Team managers and support staff

Prize pools and scholarships are becoming increasingly common, though they vary by state and competition level. Many colleges now actively recruit high school esports athletes, offering scholarships similar to traditional sports programs.

Infrastructure requirements for participating schools typically include:

Gaming computers or consoles
High-speed internet connection
Dedicated practice space
Proper gaming peripherals

While not every high school has an esports program yet, the number is growing rapidly. Based on current data, approximately 5,000 high schools across the country have official esports teams, with thousands more in development stages.

This nationwide competitive structure provides students with opportunities for skill development, college scholarships, and potential career paths in the growing esports industry, while fostering inter-school competition regardless of geographic location.

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