After finishing the regular season undefeated, the Lindbergh High School varsity League of Legends esports team  – made up of students Thinh Ngo, Nick Wightman, Tony Polesel, Patrick Adams, Biraj Pokhrel, Chase Hummert, Brad Hejlik and coach Doug Barton – wrapped up the year on a high note, winning first place in the state championship tournament on May 4.

Like other high school sports, the team starts each year with a preseason consisting of scrimmages, leading into the regular season. Following the regular season, teams are split into three groups and compete in regional playoffs, with the winner of each region moving onto the state championship tournament. The second seeds from each region compete once more in a “last chance qualifier,” with the winner also moving on to the state championship tournament. All competitions are held virtually until state.

This year, there were 19 teams total competing in varsity League of Legends across Missouri. Many of the schools Lindbergh competed against in the regular season were from farther away, including schools from Columbia and Sikeston. In the state championship tournament LHS was challenged by Joplin High School, Logan Rogersville High School and Gateway Science Academy – Fyler.

Read the full article in the Aug. 29 print edition of the St. Louis Call.