New US Vice Presidential candidate, Tim Walz, once endorsed a high school Valorant team, making it a first in American election history.
When it comes to esports, it’s quite a rarity for a politician, let alone a potential world leader, to endorse a team. The most recent time was when South Korea’s President congratulated T1 on their fourth Worlds victory.
Now Tim Walz, announced most recently as Kamala Harris’ running mate for the 2024 US election, has become the first-ever candidate on the US Presidential ticket to endorse esports.
Feels a bit different now knowing we are the first and only esports team endorsed by the new VP candidate @GovTimWalz – we are still working on growing esports in our state and nation! https://t.co/ANbVcl81gb
— Apple Valley High School Esports (MN) (@AVHSEsports) August 6, 2024
Back in July 2022, the Apple Valley High School Valorant team won the Minnesota Varsity League State Championship after an undefeated season.
To congratulate the team on their achievement, the governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, sent the team a letter recognizing their win.
“With esports on the rise, I am extremely proud of you and the role you have taken on to grow esports participation at Apple Vally High School and in Minnesota,” Walz’ letter reads. “You are at the helm of transforming a hobby into a potentially life-changing career in a new and innovative realm of sports.”
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Apple Valley went on to comment on the fact they were the first and only esports team endorsed by a Vice Presidential candidate, promising to continue growing esports in their state.
“Feels a bit weird knowing we are the first and only esports team endorsed by the new VP candidate,” the school’s Twitter account posted.
When it comes to NA Valorant, there is much to celebrate considering Sentinels won the first Masters of 2024 at Madrid, two NA teams made the top four at Masters Shanghai, and G2 Esports is at the top of their group in Valorant Champions and close to qualifying for playoffs.
This comes after the International Olympic Committee approved the creation of the Olympic Esports games, meaning more traditional titles like Valorant could have a place in the wider world of sports in the near future.