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Teachers bidding to become European Esports champion and land spot at world cup

News, Sport | Tom Hicks | Published: 17:49, Friday September 13th, 2024.
Last updated: 17:50, Friday September 13th, 2024

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Rhys Richardson and colleague Ieuan James

An assistant head teacher and a pupil behaviour specialist will be representing Wales at a hi-tech virtual sports event.

Rhys Richardson and colleague Ieuan James, who both work at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, are travelling to Warwick over the weekend to compete in the Hado European Championships.

Hado is an augmented reality (AR) sport, combining physical activity with digital gameplay. Players use headsets and armbands to launch virtual energy balls and shields.

This is different to virtual reality (VR), which is often played stationary through a headset displaying a screen.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer ahead of the event tomorrow (Saturday September 14), Richardson said: “We were asked pretty last minute if Wales could form a team for the tournament so I put my name down as I had a bit of experience with AR.

“The game itself will be played on a squash court and be a sort of dodgeball type match where teams of three try and virtually hit each other with balls. It’s pretty tactical and physical.”

Caerphilly school looking to “lead the way” in growth of Esports

Success at the tournament at Warwick University would mean a spot in the world cup which is set to be played in Shanghai, China, next summer.

“If we finish in the top six at this event we’ll be heading on an all expenses paid trip to China. The prize for winning that one is £100,000 which is pretty crazy to think about.”

More details about the esport and to watch Richardson and the team compete tomorrow, you can visit Hado’s YouTube channel.

The sport is played on a court, with participants wearing VR headsets

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Rhys Richardson

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