When U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, it meant something different for the Valorant, the esports varsity team from Apple Valley High School in Minnesota. It meant the endorsement of a man who may soon be the vice president of the United States.

"Congratulations to Valorant on their undefeated season and for winning the Minnesota Varsity League Championship!"

[5 Walz wrote in a letter shared on the Apple Valley High School Esports Twitter account in 2022. The idea of the state governor knowing about Valorant, even if it's just the time it takes to sign the letter that passes his desk on Tuesday morning, seems wild to even think about, but welcome to the 2020s, I guess.

Walz further praised the Minnesota Varsity League's "mental toughness and tactical planning" and said, "As opportunities for students to participate in competitive multiplayer gaming continue to expand, so should the extracurricular and social opportunities...as esports continues to gain momentum. I am extremely proud of you and the role you have played in increasing esports participation at Apple Valley High School and in the state of Minnesota. You are at the helm of turning a hobby into a potentially life-changing career in the new and innovative realm of sports."

I can think of no other US politicians who have publicly endorsed esports teams. It is hard to imagine that most of them know what esports is. Walz said, "Have a great summer of training! I can't wait to hear what you all accomplish next."

"It feels a little different knowing we are the first and only esports team endorsed by a new VP candidate," the school team wrote on Twitter today, concluding, "We are still working to grow esports in our state and country!"

and concluded.