Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has announced the 2025 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing a more-than-welcome boost of more than $1.4 billion to the national economy over the past year.
Among the winners was the Washington State Scholastic Esports Association (WSSEA) 2025 Spring State Championships.
The Washington State Scholastic Esports Association hosted their annual high school esports championships, the WSSEA Spring State Championships, on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Lynnwood Event Center in Lynnwood, Washington. This high school esports championship brought in 204 students from 32 high schools across Washington state. WSSEA, LANFest and the Snohomish County Sports Commission partnered on this esports championship. High school esports teams competed in three games: Rocket League, Valorant and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In addition to the competition, there was a College Fair and Career Fair, and more than 400 total attendees including students, coaches, staff and family members attended the event. This one-day event generated $142,364 in direct spending, and it was also the first time the Snohomish County Sports Commission hosted a high school esports championship.
“We’re honored to be recognized as a Champion in Innovation in Sports Tourism alongside organizations that understand the transformative power of competitive events,” stated Jake Voss, WSSEA executive director. “WSSEA championships demonstrate that esports isn’t just the future of competition, it’s a proven pathway for student engagement, career development and measurable community economic impact. Through collaboration with our partners and host communities, we’re crafting experiences that create lasting memories while opening doors to technology careers for students across Washington state.”
All winners of awards have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2025 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners listed can be found here.
About the Washington State Scholastic Esports Association: Our mission is to provide opportunities for all students to grow socially, emotionally, intellectually and professionally through esports. We believe that esports competitions should be safe, accessible and fun for all students and represent the diverse communities of Washington state. We also believe that esports is more than playing video games. Esports creates opportunities for high school students to develop critical 21st-century skills while pursuing a field that students are passionate about. For more information, visit www.wssea.games.
About the Snohomish County Sports Commission: The Snohomish County Sports Commission works to enhance Snohomish County’s economy, image as a premier sports destination and way of life for its residents by attracting regional, national and international sporting events to the county and supporting the development of sports facilities. For more information, visit www.snocosports.org.
About Sports Destination Management: Sports Destination Management (SDM) is written for the largest audience of sports event managers and tournament directors in the sports tourism market and maintains a focus on the important issues surrounding event location decisions and event management. With content from experts and thought leaders, SDM provides in-depth coverage of sports event planning and execution through incisive and relevant articles as well as insightful, real-world case studies showcasing best practices and successful event production.
In addition to the publication, SDM offers extensive digital resources through www.sportsdestinations.com and the e-newsletter SDM Blitz, both providing decision support tools for organizers to ensure successful events at all levels of play.
About Due North Media: For over 20 years, Due North Media has embraced the definition of growth by evolving from a traditional publishing company to a dynamic marketing organization utilizing best practices that ensure engagement.
The company’s desire to look at things from all sides, combined with our thirst for knowledge allows us to embrace the ever-changing world of content creation, marketing technology and consumer engagement. While the company is at the forefront of innovation, its staff takes great strides to remember its roots, ensuring the message reaches the desired audience in ways they consume media. Whether serving clients in the business-to-business sector, delivering e-commerce solutions for merchants in a direct-to-consumer environment or working with organizations trying to engage buyers, Due North Media realizes that the end goal shouldn’t be just about numbers. It should be about creating a dialogue and interaction that leads to a fulfilling relationship. Work with Due North Media to develop marketing strategies that go beyond the click to deliver the conversation.
Founded in 2001, Due North Media has helped marketers obtain their goals while adapting to new generations of media consumption. It has been the company’s mission to serve its clients and employees with integrity and humility and a continuing quest for the achievement of excellence.
###
