High school teams from Bay of Plenty/Waikato, Auckland, Wellington, and the South Island are playing League of Legends with the winner crowned New Zealand's national champions.
John Paul College and Rotorua Boys' High School also have teams in the competition.
Western Heights High School team captain Cleighton Ahipene, 16, said he was immediately on board when his teacher told him about the competition.
"I've been playing [League of Legends] for a few years and knew my friends would be into the competition too... It's not really considered a sport but there's such a big scene for it.
"We definitely take it seriously, we have team meetings and review our games to work out how we can improve.
"So far we've only had one real scare in the competition but other than that, it's been pretty easy."
Team mate Jamie Baker-Stephens, 17, said there was a lot of strategic thinking involved.
"A sport doesn't need to be physical to be called a sport. There's teamwork, problem solving and we run trainings. If we make a mistake, we go back and review it to improve.
"When we began our communication wasn't great but we've started building on that to make sure it doesn't let us down when we play."
The group play every Monday night under the guidance of their team teacher and the school's head of digital technologies, Austin Gear.
Mr Gear said since the team was set up, "kids have been knocking down the door to join".
"When I announced to the other staff there was a new sport in town, they looked at me a bit funny. I had to translate it into their language. I explained one of the games, our team beat the opposition 37 [kills] to three. Then they started to get it.
"The great part is you can see the enthusiasm and passion these kids have for the game. They really make it their own.
"These boys have broken down barriers and gel well together- that's what sport is all about."
