Godley High School students earned top honors and gained valuable competitive experience at the Burleson Esports Tournament on March 28, 2026, held at the Game Development Design School at Burleson ISD.

Representing Godley were Zachary Depew, Richard Pearce, Cesar Perez and Matthew Thuemmel, who competed against established teams from across North Texas and the XP League in a highly competitive field.

Depew and Pearce advanced through the opening rounds to earn spots in the Grand Finals of Fortnite, showcasing high-level skill and composure against experienced competitors.

In a dramatic finish, Depew placed third overall, earning a trophy and marking the first podium finish for a Godley ISD student at the tournament.

“We are so proud of all four of these students for their sportsmanship and for taking the initiative to represent our district in such an exciting way,” said Godley High School teacher Summer McIntyre. “Congratulations to Zachary on this first-of-its-kind win, and hats off to Richard, Cesar and Matthew for a great showing. We look forward to seeing more students follow in their footsteps.”

Esports, or electronic sports, are organized, competitive video gaming events where students compete individually or on teams in titles such as Fortnite, Rocket League, League of Legends, Valorant and Super Smash Bros. Like traditional athletics, esports feature structured competitions with defined rules, coaching, brackets and championship recognition.

As one of the fastest-growing activities in the world, esports provides students with opportunities to develop teamwork, communication and strategic thinking skills. Students also gain experience in areas such as broadcasting, live streaming, networking and event production, while opening pathways to college programs and scholarships.