In a county where coal once powered the world, a different kind of energy now hums through a room full of high-end PCs in Welch. The McDowell County Career Technical Center has launched Mountain Mayhem, an esports program giving local students a shot at college scholarships and a future in the booming world of competitive gaming. Inside the center’s new arena, rows of glowing monitors and full racing and flight simulators replace the buzz of welding torches or the smell of sawdust.

Here, teens who grew up with slow internet and few after-school options train for tournaments in Rocket League and Fortnite, sharpening their reflexes and teamwork skills instead of focusing on layups or tackles. “I play games at home, so I figured it’s a sport and something I like to do,” said student Kaden Small, grinning after practice. “If you like games and like to learn new stuff, you should try it out.” Coach Hughes sees more than just fun.

His goal is to connect players with colleges offering esports scholarships—money that could open doors to higher education in a county where barely a quarter of graduates move on to college. The team is already prepping for state qualifiers in October, with plans to travel for regional events. The arena itself is a marvel for a place where one in five households still lacks broadband. High-performance PCs, wall-sized screens for replays, and even F1 and flight simulators give students a taste of technology usually found in big-city labs.

Strategy sessions follow every practice, teaching analytics and communication that translate well beyond gaming. Mountain Mayhem is more than a club. It’s a signal that the future can be built right here, with fast reflexes and faster internet. As Hughes puts it, “We want to shine a light on McDowell County and show the world what these kids can do.”