SNOHOMISH COUNTY – Washington State Scholastic Esports Association (WSSEA) High School Esports State Championship is returning to Lynnwood, Washington, with a new location for 2026. This year the state championships will be at the Alderwood Mall. The WSSEA Main Event ’26 Esports will be Saturday, May 16, 2026. Thirty-two high school teams with over 250 students will be competing in the finals for Overwatch, Splatoon 3, and Smash Bros. Ultimate.
High school teams from across Washington will compete in the spring season for the chance to make it to the finals for each game title. In addition to live gaming action, there will be family activities including SIM racing, game developers, and interactive booths. Students can talk with industry experts at the Career Fair Expo and connect with college esports coaches to learn about their programs.
“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. “Hosting this high school exports state championship last year was a huge success. 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, Exclaim, 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
