Welcome to the digital arena where the Sonoma Valley Dragons are making waves. This sport is not just about playing games, it’s about strategy, skills, and teamwork. The E-sports team bloomed this year when Mr. Anspach and Chris Martinez, a senior had an idea that the Smash Bros team could be more than just a club.

 But the story doesn’t just begin there, it all leads back to Martinez who organized and started The Smash Bros Club and the e-sports team. Mr.Anspach accredited all of the work to Martinez. It started with just him playing in Anspach’s class at break and lunch during his sophomore year. His junior year more people started showing up to play when he brought his switch for others to join in. They then turned it into a club The Smash Bros Club (SBC) where anyone is welcome to join and play. It is a great way for kids who enjoy playing video games to meet other kids and form a community.

As a senior Martinez and Anspach talked to the sports director at Casa Grande High School Because they had an esports team of their own. Anspach also talked to SVHS sports director, Mike Boles who approved the team and funded them through boosters with $1000. The e-sports team has eight members, it is still undetermined who they will play but Casa Grande will be on the list. The games will be teams of three in a three-on-three battle whoever wins gets a point. 

There are a lot of benefits to an esports team with cost and time. There is no need for transportation because games will be held online. There is no need for referees; if you win you win and if you lose you lose no way of cheating. Practices are held during school at break, and lunch and will not interfere with outside school activities. I don’t know about you but I’m excited to see how the e-sports team does and how the program will grow. As Mr. Anspach said, “We are hoping to start doing more games like 2k and madden”.