On February 23, 2024 at Brookdale Esports Arena in Lincroft, NJ, the Raider Esports Overwatch II team repeated as Garden State Esports State Champions. 

After a seven-week regular season playing against schools within their conference and constant practice, the Raider Esport Overwatch II team looked to defend their title. 

“To prepare for the state championship we were constantly practicing and scrimmaging against other teams,” junior Esport athlete Max Gal told The Fanscotian. “What really helped us was playing against college esport teams and by playing at a more competitive level allowed us to see what we were capable of and needed to improve on.”

That constant practice and preparation turned into confidence for the Raiders as they were able to relieve themselves of any pressure to repeat. 

“We weren’t surprised to repeat as state champions because we were confident in our ability, but we all thought winning was a bit of a letdown since the competition wasn’t as good this year compared to last year. We were still happy that we won but nothing could beat the feeling that we had after overcoming an 0-2 deficit in last year’s championship,” Gal said. 

Congratulations to the Raider Esports Overwatch II team on their state championship.