PlayVS Strengthens Educational Esports Community with Vanta Acquisition

PlayVS Expands Educational Horizon with Vanta Esports Acquisition

In a significant move that highlights the growing importance of esports in education, PlayVS, the leading platform for scholastic and collegiate gaming in North America, has announced its acquisition of Vanta Esports. This merger combines two of the most prominent youth-focused esports communities in the nation, creating a powerful network aimed at enhancing access to coaching, competition, and educational resources for students across the country.

The Impact of the Acquisition

With the addition of Vanta Esports, PlayVS expands its reach substantially, incorporating an additional 3,000 K-12 schools into its existing network. This increase solidifies PlayVS's position as the most comprehensive provider of competitive gaming and educational support, bridging the worlds of K-12 and higher education. The joint effort aims to build a cohesive, education-aligned platform that not only supports organized competitions but also fosters student growth and development through expert coaching and mentorship.

Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS, emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating, "Vanta has built an exceptional, education-focused platform rooted in coaching, mentorship, and safe competition. By uniting our organizations, we can widen access for more students, provide better support for educators, and enhance our service to schools and communities nationwide. Our mission has always been to unleash the positive potential of gaming, fostering teamwork, leadership, confidence, and problem-solving. This expansion enables us to have a much greater impact."

A Coaching-Focused Model

Vanta Esports distinguishes itself through a coaching-led model that connects young players with trained and vetted esports coaches. These professionals lead team practices and personalized sessions focusing on strategy, teamwork, communication, and overall skill enhancement. Programs are designed to be flexible, accommodating both season-long experiences and individual coaching schedules. Further, Vanta contributes a substantial presence in key states like Texas and Hawaii, enhancing PlayVS's geographical footprint.

Vanta is renowned for marquee events such as the Hawaii Esports Invitational and the Texas State Championship, which will continue to be held under the PlayVS umbrella. The merger promises to scale these events, enhancing infrastructure and accessibility for more participants.

Patrick Cronin, CEO of Vanta, expressed optimism about the future, stating, "From the start, it was clear that PlayVS and Vanta share the same beliefs about the positive role gaming can play in students' lives. Our teams are passionately committed to coaching, community, and meaningful competition, and we're excited to keep building together."

Building Pathways for Student Development

The acquisition of Vanta aligns seamlessly with PlayVS’s ongoing growth strategy, which also included recent expansions with Generation Esports and Playfly College Esports in 2025. This evolution underscores PlayVS's commitment to a holistic, school-based competitive gaming ecosystem. The amalgamation of the platforms promises structured competition, expert coaching, and increased programming across esports, broadcasting, and STEM education.

PlayVS has positioned itself as a front-runner in facilitating academic, social, and personal achievements through competitive gaming, bringing together students, coaches, educators, and schools in a structured format that aligns with educational goals. The PlayVS College League (PCL), launched in 2025, builds upon the scholastic foundation by extending organized competition into college environments. PlayVS proudly serves as the official esports partner for the NFHS Network, the Special Olympics, and over 40 state and regional organizations across the U.S. and Canada.

As educational institutions increasingly recognize the benefits of esports, this acquisition marks a pivotal moment, promising to shape the future of educational gaming. For more information, visit PlayVS.