Louisiana Scholastic Esports Federation Announces First State Championship Event

The Louisiana Scholastic Esports Federation (LASEF) hosted its inaugural State Championship this past weekend, featuring top student competitors from across Louisiana in games such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The championship event showcased the growing role of esports within educational settings and underscored competitive excellence among high school and middle school students.

Participants in the championship included top Louisiana winners from the USAEL Open, also known as the United States Academic Esports League, as well as champions from LASEF regional leagues. Sixteen players competed in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate double elimination bracket, with John Beckman from Woodlawn High School ultimately winning the title, becoming the first LASEF Super Smash Bros. Louisiana State Champion. Final placements included Marcus Patterson from Woodlawn High School in second and Colby David from Tara High School in third.

In the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe competition, Adam Tore of Tara High School emerged as the champion, marking the first LASEF Mario Kart Louisiana State Champion. Caleb Hebert from Woodlawn High School took second place, while Ocean Alcala from Westdale Middle School secured third. The tournament featured consistent performances, with players demonstrating timing and adaptability throughout multiple races.

The championship attracted students from various middle schools and high schools across the state, reflecting the expanding reach of scholastic esports programs. In addition to gameplay, the event provided students with hands-on experience in roles such as live stream production and event coordination, aligning esports participation with workforce development. LASEF Executive Director Jeffery Harrison emphasized the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for students to develop their skills and showcased the impact of esports on their lives.