Full Sail Stories
Published Dec 19, 2023
TechFest Esports Tournament Hosts Florida High School Students
The fall circuit of Full Sail’s regular TechFest esports tournament awarded over $15,000 in scholarship funds to students from Florida high schools.
The Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress welcomed back high school student competitors from around the state of Florida to battle it out for up to $15,000 in Full Sail scholarship funds at the semi-annual TechFest.
The recent fall circuit of Full Sail’s TechFest brought career-focused events to Florida high schools, sharing information with prospective students about degrees focused on emerging technologies and games. Hosted at 19 Florida high schools – including Florida A&M University Developmental Research School, Apopka High School, and Suncoast Polytechnical High School – TechFest shared industry-standard tech, esports, and career information, giving students throughout the state the chance to learn more about potential futures in creative and STEM industries.
The tour culminated with a Super Smash Bros. tournament held on Full Sail’s campus where players from schools in North, South, and Central Florida competed for first, second, and third place finishes in Nintendo’s popular fighting game.
A total of 142 students from all 19 schools made it through to the finals. With nearly 500 attendees, the invitational saw family, friends, and educators cheering on competitors in the Fortress as they competed for the glory. Full Sail students and live event crews displayed the full power of the Fortress, providing high schoolers and their families with a high-level esports production reflective of professional and collegiate levels of play.
Tech Fest winners pose with their scholarships in the Fortress.
Edward H. White High School student Blair Gauge was awarded a $15,000 Full Sail scholarship for finishing in first place. Elijah Stewart of Everglades High School came in second, receiving a $10,000 scholarship. Edgewater High School student Jackson Dean was awarded $5,000 in scholarship funds after placing third. All three competitors also received 3D-printed medals, and the first-place winner received a shiny trophy, perfect for any high school’s display case.
If you’re interested in learning more about TechFest or hosting an event at your school, contact us via email at [email protected].
