Louisiana Scholastic Esports Federation Announces First State Championship Event

(MENAFN- GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) Baton Rouge, La., May 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LASEF hosts its first statewide esports championship, bringing together top Louisiana students to compete in Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart.

The Louisiana Scholastic Esports Federation, known as LASEF, hosted its first ever State Championship this past weekend, bringing together top student competitors from across Louisiana to compete in a historic statewide event. The championship marked a defining moment for scholastic esports in the state, highlighting both competitive excellence and the growing role of esports within education.

Top Louisiana winners from the USAEL Open, also known as the United States Academic Esports League, along with champions from LASEF regional leagues, were invited to participate. This created a championship field composed of the state's most accomplished and proven competitors.

The event featured Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, showcasing high level gameplay, student leadership, and the continued growth of esports as a structured educational activity.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Comeback Story

Sixteen of Louisiana's top Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players competed in a double elimination bracket, representing schools from across the state. The competition reflected both individual skill and the strength of school based esports programs.

Early standouts included Kaeden Dunston of Woodlawn High School, a Stomp in the Swamp Champion and East Baton Rouge Esports League Champion, alongside Marcus Patterson of Woodlawn High School. Both competitors entered with established championship experience and set a competitive tone for the tournament.

The tournament quickly evolved into a test of resilience. After an early loss, John Beckman of Woodlawn High School advanced through the lower bracket, competing in a series of high pressure matches to secure a place in the Grand Finals.

The final match featured an all Woodlawn High School matchup between Beckman and Patterson. With momentum on his side, Beckman completed a comeback run and secured the championship, becoming the first LASEF Super Smash Bros. Louisiana State Champion.

Final results for the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate competition were first place John Beckman of Woodlawn High School with a record of seven wins and one loss, second place Marcus Patterson of Woodlawn High School with a record of four wins and two losses, and third place Colby David of Tara High School with a record of three wins and two losses.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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