Getting Started

Introduction & Overview

Overview

Competitive gaming and esports have transformed interactive media into a global ecosystem combining high-stakes teamwork, strategic planning, and cutting-edge technology. Earning the Competitive Gaming merit badge will guide you through the history of video games, online digital citizenship, healthy balance, hardware customization, and real-world career pathways in the gaming industry.

Whether you enjoy casual multiplayer matches with friends or follow professional esports leagues, this guide prepares you to bring Scout values—courtesy, sportsmanship, and leadership—into every digital arena.

Then and Now

Then

In 1958, physicist William Higinbotham created Tennis for Two on an analog computer oscilloscope to entertain visitors at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Early arcade classics like Pong (1972) and Space Invaders (1978) sparked the first local high-score competitions, leading to the legendary 1980 Space Invaders Championship hosted by Atari, which drew over 10,000 participants.

Now

Today, competitive gaming spans professional leagues, varsity college programs, and international arenas filled with thousands of live fans and millions of online viewers. Modern esports tournaments feature structured teams, professional coaches, analysts, and multi-million-dollar prize pools across titles like Rocket League, League of Legends, and Super Smash Bros.

Get Ready!

Prepare to explore how strategy, communication, physical well-being, and hardware design come together in competitive play. You will log your gaming habits, design a custom PC build, practice online safety, and discover how to apply the Scout Oath and Law whenever you pick up a controller or keyboard!

Kinds of Competitive Gaming

A clean ergonomic gaming desk setup with dual monitors, mechanical keyboard, mouse, and headset

Competitive gaming spans several distinct formats and genres:

Tactical Strategy & MOBAs: Multi-player Online Battle Arenas require precise coordination, map awareness, and real-time team strategy.
Sports & Fighting Games: Fast-paced 1v1 or team simulators that test reflexes, combo timing, and mental resilience.
Battle Royales & Hero Shooters: Large-scale tactical objective games emphasizing positioning, resource management, and squad communication.
Simulators & Racing: High-precision physics simulators that mirror real-world motorsport and flight discipline.

Next Steps

Start your journey by exploring the evolution of video games and the birth of organized esports.