Congratulations to North High School’s Varsity Fortnite Esports team who took first place in the state tournament in February! Team members Alexander Hernandez, Owen Hornickel, Ethan Roehrborn, and Jett Beninghaus earned the top score out of 100 teams across Wisconsin. North High earned 90 points, Chippewa Falls earned 86, and Grafton in 3rd place with 62 points.

The Fortnite team, which also includes alternate Vince Nienhuis, has been playing and practicing together for the last two years. Jett also streams and narrates the team’s matches.

North High School physics teacher Dan Dielentheis has coached Esports at North since it started six years ago. He has over 60 students participating in the winter and spring seasons, as well as participating in community events.

Students can compete in Esports in the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons, with different games offered through the state association, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Overwatch, Rocket League, League of Legends, and Valorant. These games require players to work as a team, but the best teams also have highly skilled players.

Esports provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable experience and skills, while participating in a team sport environment. Esports fosters collaboration, leadership, communication, research, multi-tasking, confidence, and digital literacy. Students are held to the same academic standards as any other high school athlete, and the variety of games available provides an opportunity for students to compete for their school in a unique gaming environment.

Esports started gaining momentum in Wisconsin high schools and colleges nearly 10 years ago. In addition to the team at North High, South High School and Warriner High School also have Esports teams.

All three teams are part of the Wisconsin High School Esports Association, which was formed in 2018. This year, over 100 school districts across the state participated in Esports, with over 3,000 students competing.