Forney ISD Leads State in Esports with Record Number of Qualifiers

Forney ISD earned statewide recognition at the 2026 TEXSEF Esports State Championship, leading all districts with 30 student qualifiers, the highest number in Texas.

The achievement highlights both the competitive strength of the district’s esports program and the academic success of its students. The 30 state qualifiers maintained an average GPA of 3.89, reflecting a strong commitment to excellence both in and out of competition.

“This has been an incredible year for both Academy Esports and our District OC Esports,” said Adam York, teacher at the Academies at The OC. “Our students grew as teammates, leaders, and communicators. Esports gave them a space to build confidence, solve problems, and support one another in meaningful ways. I’m extremely proud of the culture they created and the way they represented our campus. This year was just the beginning, and I’m excited to continue growing the program and creating even more opportunities for our students to compete, connect, and succeed.” 

The program’s impact extends beyond competition. Of the 30 qualifying students, 25 are not involved in other school activities, and 12 are identified under 504 plans. Additionally, several students participating in esports have health conditions that limit involvement in traditional athletics, further emphasizing the program’s role in expanding access and inclusion.

Students competed in a variety of individual and team-based titles, including Super Smash Bros., Rocket League, Mario Kart 8, Splatoon 3, Tekken 8, and Marvel Rivals. Forney ISD students earned multiple top finishes, with several competitors placing in the upper tiers of highly competitive brackets.

Among the top individual performances, Jaden Persaud placed fifth in Tekken 8 and seventh in Guilty Gear Strive. In addition, multiple Forney ISD students competed in a Super Smash Bros. bracket of 165 participants, with several earning top placements.

Forney ISD also celebrated individual recognition at the state level. Ricardo Olguin, an 11th-grade student, earned the No. 2 ranking in Texas in Madden 26, highlighting the high level of talent within the program.

The district’s success is supported by strong leadership, as esports coach Benjamin Bulgherini was named the 2026 TEXSEF Coach of the Year. His leadership has played a key role in building a program focused on both competitive achievement and student engagement.

The TEXSEF Esports State Championship brought together districts from across Texas, with Forney ISD distinguishing itself as a leader in both participation and performance.

As esports continues to grow, Forney ISD remains committed to providing innovative opportunities that support student success, connection, and future readiness