Welcome to Tiger Esports

Where education and gaming intersect. A fun and multi-faceted program designed by educators to teach kids essential skills in collaboration.

Our Story

In the Fall of 2022, we started an afterschool program with the hope of incorporating social emotional learning into something kids already loved to do: play video games! As parents, and as middle schools teachers, we know how important gaming is to kids. But we also know how isolating excessive screen time can be.

From humble beginnings working out of a science classroom closet with a few TVs, some Gaming Consules, and a handful of amazing kids, we've managed to create something truely impactful to our community. We now serve hundreds of students each year through afterschool programs, esports teams, game design elective classes, summer camps and community events!

Our Mission

Tiger Esports is dedicated to providing ALL students the opportunity to have a structured and engaging curriculum that fosters advancement in social and emotional learning.

Through team based activities -- on and off screen -- we're trying to teach students how to work together, how to regulate their emotions, and to build meaningful friendships, all in the context of having fun.

We use a points-based system to encourage students to take chances, to demonstrate empathy, and to bring a positive attitude to each session.

We have over 300 video games to choose from, on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch Consules! It's no secret that kids love video games, and while there are advantages and disadvantages to playing them, they're an intragal part of youth culture. Tiger Esports is committed to utilizing the enthusiasm toward video games as a vehicle for developing social and emotional learning.

Meet the Team

Co-fouder Matthew Balter is head of finance and marketing. In 2010, Matthew moved to Austin from Boston to pursue a career in teaching. He has taught US History, Creative Writing, Speech & Debate, Theatre, and Video Game Design. In his downtime, he loves to travel, write, swim, and cook.

Co-founder Chris Martin is head of technology and development. Chris teaches U.S. History and has been in education in Austin for over 15 years. In his free time he enjoys cooking, playing guitar, and coding!

Kim Riley is curriculum designer and esports coach. Kim teaches 8th Grade Science and Video Game Design.

Our E-Gym

13 Gaming Consoles and 16 Gaming PCs

Over 300 of the most popular video games for XBox, Switch, Playstation, and PC

A space to design

A space to play

A space to compete

A space to make friends

It's where we host camps, afterschool programs, elective classes, and community events.