SNOHOMISH COUNTY – Thirty-eight high school esports teams are preparing to compete in the Washington State Scholastic Esports Association (WSSEA) Main Event ‘26 on Saturday, May 16th, at the Alderwood Mall. High schools from across Washington State will be participating. The high schools include, but not limited to, Battle Ground, Central Kitsap, Hanford, Naches, Nooksack Valley, Rogers (Spokane), Lake Stevens, Mountlake Terrace, Camas, Prairie, and Edmonds-Woodway.
Main Event ’26 begins at 9 am with the awards and closing ceremonies at 6:30 am. High School teams will compete in three games, Splatoon 3, Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Overwatch.
This year is the second time WSSEA has hosted the High School Esports State Championships in Snohomish County. Last May the competition was held at the Lynnwood Event Center. A great opportunity with the Alderwood Mall came about in early January 2026. The former REI Store will be transformed into a esports venue with the competition upstairs and fun activities on the first floor.
With the state championship at the Alderwood Mall, this creates a great opportunity for the public to come watch the competition. WSSEA welcomes all ages to stop by and cheer on the esports teams.
“Main Event ’26 is about so much more than who wins the championship in Overwatch, Smash, or Splatoon. When these teams walk into Alderwood Mall on May 16th, they’re representing their schools, their communities, and a generation of students who’ve found something they’re genuinely passionate about,” states Jake Voss, WSSEA Executive Direct. “We’ve seen the data, students in scholastic esports show up more to school, make more friends, and are more likely to pursue careers in technology and STEM. But the numbers only tell part of the story. The real magic happens in the room, when a kid from Eastern Washington goes head-to-head against a team from the coast, and both walk away feeling like they belong somewhere. That’s what we’re building here in Washington State, a place of belonging and inclusivity.”
With the Main Event ’26 at the Alderwood Mall, it creates new opportunities. Voss states “And the best part? Anyone can walk through those doors and be a part of it. Main Event ’26 is free, it’s open to all ages, and it’s a chance for every family in the community to see what these incredible student-athletes have worked toward all season long.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Washington State Scholastic Esports Association in bringing the High School Esports State Championship back to Lynnwood,” states Tammy Dunn, Snohomish County Sports Commission executive director. “With thirty-eight teams competing this year showcases how esports tournaments have grown in popularity in the last year. .We look forward to welcoming the high school esports teams, family members and esports fans as teams battle to be crowned champions.”
Thank you to the WSSEA Main Event ’26 Esports sponsors! Sponsors include foundry10, Fenworks, LANFest, MicrokK12, Lenovo, Zotac Gaming, Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County, Seattle Built PCs, United States Coast Guard, PureTek Group, and Snohomish County Sports Commission.
About Washington State Scholastic Esports Association:
About WSSEA: Our mission is to provide opportunities for all students to grow socially, emotionally, intellectually, and professionally through Esports. We believe that Esports Competitions should be safe, accessible, and fun for all students and represent the diverse communities of Washington State. We also believe that esports is more than playing video games. Esports creates opportunities for high school students to develop critical 21st century skills while pursuing a field that students are passionate about. For more information, visit www.wssea.games.
About LANFEST:
LANFEST is a 501(c)3 organization that has been building healthy communities through gaming since 2002. We believe that play is vital to people’s health. We believe that gaming builds community unlike any other activity. We believe in doing good for our communities.
About Snohomish County Sports Commission:
The Snohomish County Sports Commission works to enhance Snohomish County’s economy, image as a premier sports destination and way of life for its residents by attracting regional, national, and international sporting events to the county, and supporting development of sports facilities. For more information, visit www.snocosports.org.
Source: Snohomish County Sports Commission
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
