Above: Maricopa Esports League coach Jack Ngan (left) is among those involved in a groundbreaking parks and rec program that is city sponsored. (Photo and story by Warren Younger/Cronkite News)

The rapid growth of esports may be best reflected in a recent decision by the City of Maricopa.

The city announced it is kicking off its inaugural season of recreational league esports, funded by taxpayer dollars and city-sanctioned. It is believed to be the first league of its kind in Arizona and one of the very first of its kind in the country.

Matthew Reiter, marketing coordinator for Maricopa and now esports director, said the city is always looking to innovate.

“We are a city known for doing things that are cutting edge,” Reiter said. “We not only want to be progressive, we want to bring in cool new things, and what we found was that esports is where it’s at.”

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