Full Sail Hosts TechFest Esports Tournament for High School Students

Published May 28, 2025

Full Sail Hosts TechFest Esports Tournament for High School Students

Florida high school students gathered to compete for up to $15,000 in Full Sail scholarship funds.

The Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress, packed with a crowd of high school students and their families in attendance for the High School Invitational.

High school students from across Florida gathered at the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress on May 10 to compete for up to $15,000 in Full Sail scholarship funds at the TechFest Esports Championship Invitational.

TechFest is Full Sail’s high-energy roadshow that travels to high schools across the state to spark students’ enthusiasm for technology and entertainment by giving them a taste of what the university has to offer. Throughout the spring season, university representatives shared hands-on activities and gear with students, featuring everything from 3D art to emerging tech while highlighting esports and inviting high school gamers to compete head-to-head. The top players from each school won the opportunity to represent their school in the final match—the TechFest Esports Championship Invitational.

I hope the students walk away with a lasting memory of having the opportunity to participate in an event that relates to something they truly enjoy.”

A total of 132 competitors from 20 high schools came to Full Sail to face off in a single-elimination showdown of Super Smash Bros., with the top three students walking away with 3D-printed medals and Full Sail scholarship funds. The grand champion also earned a trophy for their school and bragging rights as one of Florida’s top high school esports players.

The event was put on by the Full Sail events team alongside Full Sail students who facilitated the lighting, audio, and video production, providing attendees with a high-level esports experience. More than 300 attendees, including family, friends, and educators, came to cheer on competitors.

IT Programs Manager at Dunbar High School Denise Spence supported the 21 students from Dunbar who competed in the invitational. “We love when Full Sail comes to our school and shares different kinds of activities and all the cool, great things that you do,” Denise said. “Every time we get a chance to sign up for the invitational, we do, because we have an esports club at our school, and we love having you all [at our school] and coming out here [to Full Sail] to make the fun happen. [My students] feel confident knowing that they have a skill that not everybody has and that they can show it off.”

Caleb Shobe, Yazir Madbouly, and Yamzy Gonzalez stand onstage holding giant checks. Students and staff members stand around them.

TechFest Esports Championship Invitational winners proudly hold up their prize checks.

Proudly winning first place, Yazir Madbouly of Santaluces High School was awarded $15,000 in Full Sail scholarship funds, as well as a shiny trophy. Venice High School student Yamzy Gonzalez placed second in the competition, securing a $10,000 scholarship, and Caleb Shobe, representing Haggerty High School, earned third place and a $5,000 scholarship check.

“I hope the students walk away with a lasting memory of having the opportunity to participate in an event that relates to something they truly enjoy,” said Edward Sanchez, Outreach Events Manager for Full Sail.