State playoff wins so far signal future success for Fossil Ridge High School esports teams, as both have easily won their matches so far. 

“[The Fortnite team] is going to win. They are undefeated by a lot, it’s not even close,” said coach Brian Besel.

The Fortnite team was seeded 1st after an 8-0 season, and the Mario Kart team at 6-2 was seeded 5th before state playoffs began this week.

Both the Fortnite and Mario Kart teams won their matches on Monday against the Spartan Dropsquad, and then again on Wednesday with a score of 2-0 against Chaparral High School. Fossil won the first set 123-111 and followed that up with a 125-109 win in the second set.

Both teams are confident in their future matches. 

“Mario Kart, [has seen the most improvement because] it’s been four years,” said Besel.

Senior William Agnew credits experience as one reason for their wins. 

“I played for a long time,” said Agnew. “I’m just more skilled.”

Another key is music, Agnew said, specifically Tyler the Creator.

“I like to get in the zone,” he said.

The teams’ successes have not come without challenges. Agnew said he has lost focus at times.

“Sometimes, when you’re literally just sitting there, you’ll just zone out,” he said. 

Senior Gilly Ley sees Thunder Ridge as the Mario Kart team’s biggest competition yet.  

“It’s the one that beat us,” Ley said. “They destroyed us in a game and a scrimmage as well.”

State playoffs continue on Friday, with the Fortnite team playing the ERA Warriors in the final state semi finals championship, while the Mario Kart team plays #1 seed Thunder Ridge High School.