PlayVS Named to Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025

The leading scholastic esports company has earned a spot within the top ten organizations in the gaming category 

LOS ANGELES, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PlayVS, the leading esports and gaming platform in North America, is proud to have been named to Fast Company's renowned list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year's list highlights businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations and are setting new standards within their fields to achieve remarkable milestones. PlayVS joins the ranks of global companies like Nvidia, Duolingo, Waymo, and others.

Over the past few years, PlayVS has made huge strides in increasing the accessibility and inclusivity of esports for students. The company shifted to a free-to-play model, which eliminated financial barriers, enabling more students and schools than ever before to participate in scholastic gaming. This decision has allowed PlayVS to expand its reach to over 68,000 middle schools and high schools across North America. By removing entry fees and providing essential resources, PlayVS is helping students of all backgrounds experience the benefits of esports.

This is significant as esports are a driver of student's social, academic, and mental well-being. In May 2024, PlayVS released their Impact of Esports Report, which surveyed hundreds of esports players and coaches across the U.S. and Canada. The data showed that esports leads to increased socialization, improvement in grades and/or attendance, and helps students feel part of a community, while developing key leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Additionally, PlayVS launched Stadium, a digital-first esports competition platform that empowers anyone, regardless of institutional affiliation, to organize and participate in gaming events. This platform has created a new era of inclusivity and flexibility in esports, providing a space where students can compete without a coach or school association

PlayVS has also built strong partnerships with major names in the industry including a renewed partnership with Nintendo of America, where the two organizations have partnered to provide over $2.1 million in games and equipment to schools. Through its partnerships PlayVS is also bridging the gap between traditional sports and esports. PlayVS has teamed up with sports-related properties including the NFL, Premier League, and NBC Sports to create exciting youth gaming challenges, giving students the chance to compete and take part in unique fan engagement activities.

"We're honored to be recognized alongside some of the most transformative companies in the world," said Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS. "At PlayVS, we are dedicated to making esports and gaming more accessible for students, providing them with opportunities for academic, social, and mental growth. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our team, partners, and the students we serve. We're excited to continue to be at the forefront of esports and push the boundaries with new innovations, events, and partnerships in 2025."

The World's Most Innovative Companies list is Fast Company's hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts. To determine honorees, Fast Company's editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.

"Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future," said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. "This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward."

About PlayVS

PlayVS (pronounced Play Versus) is North America's leading scholastic esports and gaming platform, on a mission to unlock the many benefits of esports for players everywhere. PlayVS offers a single community in which players, coaches, educators and parents come together to compete, connect and grow through the power of esports. PlayVS is the official high school esports partner to the NFHS Network, the Special Olympics and state and regional organizations in the U.S. and Canada that offer officially sanctioned scholastic esports leagues. To learn more about PlayVS, visit https://playvs.com/.

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit https://www.fastcompany.com/.

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