Adelaide is significantly expanding its esports operations by running an international competition in 2019.

The Crows ran the High School Esports League (HSEL) throughout five states in recent months but it will now expand to cover all of Australia and New Zealand.

Esports is a burgeoning industry focussed on competitive video-gaming with tournaments played online and in stadiums where professional players battle each other in a variety of games.

It is estimated to have an international audience of hundreds of millions.

Adelaide’s HSEL is run in conjunction with gaming publisher Riot Games and secondary schools form teams which compete against each other playing the hugely popular League of Legends game. 

Crows Chief Operating Officer Nigel Smart, who heads up the Club’s esports operations, described the latest development as a key part of a broader growth agenda.

“The inaugural HSEL was highly successful this year with Western Australia’s Willetton Senior High winning the regional trophy,” Smart said. 

“We are always looking to expand our esports footprint and more broadly speaking boost the entire industry’s profile within the Oceania region.”

League Commissioner Woody Wu said HSEL was extremely pleased to expand its partnership to cover all of Australia and New Zealand.

“This partnership will allow us to build upon what we have done in year one and will see us reach more schools and students,” Wu said.

“Our goal will always be to help students develop character and grow through their passions.”

Alongside Riot Games, HSEL will also further develop educational programs for students, teachers and parents in 2019.