LASEF Announces First Student Qualifiers for Inaugural State Championship
- Jeffery Harrison
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 5
The LASEF State Championship is officially underway, as the Louisiana Scholastic Esports Federation (LASEF) announced its first group of student qualifiers following recent league and tournament play across the state.
Students ranging from 3rd grade through 12th grade have secured early qualification, representing schools and programs from East Baton Rouge, Jefferson Parish, Evangeline Parish, Caddo Parish, and virtual programs statewide, including Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy (LAVCA). The championship will feature competition in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8, bringing together elementary, middle, and high school students in a single statewide event.
Students Share What Esports Means to Them
In interviews conducted by LASEF, students consistently emphasized that esports is about more than competition. Many described the programs as a place to build friendships, develop confidence, and find a sense of belonging.
Several students reported improvements in communication skills, leadership, and teamwork. Others noted that participation in esports helped them stay engaged in school and provided motivation through structured competition.
Qualifying Carries Real Meaning
For many of the newly qualified students, earning a spot in the LASEF State Championship represents a significant milestone.
Students described the experience as exciting and validating, with several noting that qualification confirmed their hard work and dedication. One student shared that competing at the state level “proves that I can be worth something,” reflecting the broader impact scholastic esports can have on student confidence and self-belief.
Competitive Results Highlight Early Leaders
The first group of qualifiers earned their positions through top finishes in major scholastic esports events, including Stomp in the Swamp and the USAEL Fall League.
Notable results include:
Kaeden Dunston — 1st Place, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Stomp in the Swamp
John Beckman — 3rd Place, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Stomp in the Swamp
Colby David — 2nd Place, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Stomp in the Swamp
Adam Tore — 1st Place, Mario Kart 8, Stomp in the Swamp; 4th Place, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Stomp in the Swamp
Caleb Herbert — 3rd Place, Mario Kart 8, Stomp in the Swamp
Ocean Alcala — 2nd Place, Mario Kart 8, Stomp in the Swamp
Gabriel Mason — 1st Place, Mario Kart 8, USAEL Fall League (Team)
Gerrick Edwards — 1st Place, Mario Kart 8, USAEL Fall League (Team)
Zander Ares Flores — 2nd Place, Mario Kart 8, USAEL Fall League (Team)
Kaedan McFarland — 2nd Place, Mario Kart 8, USAEL Fall League (Team);1st Place, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, USAEL Fall League
Jaylen Chaney — Evangeline Parish Champion, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Jasper Hills — 4th Place, Mario Kart 8, Stomp in the Swamp
One of the qualifiers, Kaeden Dunston, shared insights into his journey during interviews. With more than two and a half years of competitive experience in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Dunston said esports has helped him develop confidence and public speaking skills. He plans to pursue future opportunities in esports management and computer engineering and described qualifying for the state championship as “meaning the world” due to the scale of the event.
Building a Statewide Scholastic Esports Pipeline
LASEF officials say the state championship is designed to highlight not only competitive excellence, but also student growth, access, and long-term opportunity.
LASEF is an official affiliate of both the USAEL,NASEF and ESTA, aligning Louisiana’s scholastic esports programs with nationally recognized standards for competition, education, and student development.
Through these partnerships, LASEF aims to provide students with structured competitive pathways, leadership opportunities, and exposure to academic and career-connected experiences tied to esports and technology.
More Qualifiers Still to Come
The field for the LASEF State Championship is not yet complete.
With the EBREL season continuing in Baton Rouge and the SWLA Scholastic Esports League competition ongoing in Lake Charles, additional regional champions are expected to qualify in the coming weeks.
LASEF officials indicated that more announcements will be made as leagues conclude their seasons and additional students earn their place on the state stage.
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