PlayVS acquires Vanta Esports, expanding gaming network for competitive gaming in schools and colleges

PlayVS, a North American esports platform, has announced that it has acquired Vanta Esports, adding 3,000 K-12 schools to its network.

PlayVS says the deal reinforces its position as the “most comprehensive competitive gaming and education platform” across schools and colleges.

"Vanta has built an exceptional, education-focused platform rooted in coaching, mentorship, and safe competition," comments Jon Chapman, CEO at PlayVS. "By bringing our organizations together, we can expand access for more students, provide greater support for educators, and better serve schools and communities nationwide. Our mission has always been to unlock the positive power of gaming, including teamwork, leadership, confidence, and problem-solving, and this expansion allows us to deliver that impact at significantly greater scale."

Vanta Esports operates on a coaching-led model that connects players with trained esports coaches who can lead team practices and one-on-one sessions.

"From the start, it was clear that PlayVS and Vanta share the same beliefs about the positive role gaming can play in students' lives," Patrick Cronin, CEO of Vanta, adds. "Our teams are deeply committed to coaching, community, and meaningful competition, and we're excited to keep building together."

Building a bigger gaming network

The acquisition is part of wider expansion plans at PlayVS, which purchased Generation Esports and Playfly College Esports in 2025. The company says it hopes to support schools and students with structured competitions, expert coaching, and expanded esports programming.

Writing on LinkedIn, PlayVS’ Chief Business Operator Brian Cooley comments: “Today we’re excited to welcome Vanta Esports into the PlayVS network! Our goal at PlayVS has always been about expanding opportunities for students, schools, and communities through competitive gaming. Bringing Vanta’s incredible ecosystem, including its strong coaching-led model and thousands of engaged K–12 schools, into our gaming network is another important step forward in delivering that vision.

“We’re passionate about the incredible impact that competitive gaming in all its forms can have on youth development, creativity, teamwork, and lifelong skills. This expanded network helps us serve even more students and educators with meaningful competition, mentorship, and opportunity.”