Minnesota-based high school esports league the Minnesota Varsity League (MNVL) announced Wednesday the official launch of a new scholastic esports program called MNVL Jr., aimed at middle school students across the state.
The organization said in a release that this is part of its ongoing effort “to advance the academic experience for students” by providing tools to develop valuable skills through competitive gaming.
MNVL Jr. will use the same format as MNVL, with a focus on fifth through eighth-grade students competing in such titles as Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., Chess, and Minecraft. Minnesota middle schools interested in onboarding for the Spring 2024 season can do so until the end of January 2024.
Since its launch in 2019, the MNVL has grown to include 82 Minnesota high schools and more than 2,000 members participating in the programs as of the Fall 2023 season. In 2023, MNVL launched the MNVL Fund, allowing for donations to support its student internship programs that focus on offering students experiences in careers such as STEM, marketing, and production. MNVL also recently announced Undeniably Dairy as an official sponsor of the league, with a core focus on promoting the health benefits of dairy products amongst its audience.
Minnesota Varsity League is owned and operated by esports and gaming production company Wisdom Gaming.
More information about MNVL Jr. can be found at mnvl.org.