Minnesota Varsity League Launches MNVL Jr. for Middle School Students

The Minnesota Varsity League (MNVL), a scholastic esports organization owned and operated by Wisdom Gaming, has announced the launch of MNVL Jr., a new competitive program specifically designed for middle school students. Scheduled to begin in January 2024, the initiative aims to extend the league’s existing scholastic model to students in grades five through eight across Minnesota. The program focuses on fostering academic and skill-based development through competitive gaming, mirroring the structure of the established high school league.

The expansion follows the significant growth of the parent organization, which, as of the Fall 2023 season, encompassed 82 Minnesota high schools and over 2,000 active participants. MNVL Jr. will feature a variety of titles, including Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., Chess, and Minecraft. Interested schools have until the end of January 2024 to register for the inaugural Spring 2024 season.

Beyond competitive play, the organization continues to emphasize professional development and industry partnerships. Recent initiatives include the establishment of the MNVL Fund, which supports student internships in fields such as STEM, marketing, and production, and a new sponsorship agreement with Undeniably Dairy. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to integrating esports into the academic experience while providing students with tangible career-oriented opportunities.