Isaac Wheeler, 18, is a freshman at Southeast Community College (SCC) studying automotives with plans to become an auto mechanic in his near future. Although new to SCC, Wheeler is no stranger to esports. In fact, he began competing during his sophomore year of high school and now plays Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in both 1v1 and 4v4 formats. As team leader of SCC’s 4v4 Mario Kart squad, which has six members, Wheeler recently claimed the NJCAAE Tier 1 National Championship title in 1v1 competition.

“I improve my skills by playing clan wars, where two teams of six race in 12 tracks and the team with the most collective points wins,” Wheeler said. “I also do time trials. They help on individual tracks, but that knowledge carries over and makes you better overall.”

Wheeler said his favorite NJCAAE moment so far isn’t just winning, but making good friends along the way. “I became friends with some of the opponents I faced, like DC, who got knocked out in the losers finals, and baymaxx, who I knocked into the losers bracket during regionals.”

Wheeler advises young gamers to remember they can always improve. If they struggle to replicate something a top player does, he suggests simplifying the technique until they understand how to perform it at a higher level. 

As Wheeler continues to lead his team and refine his racing skills, he remains focused on both his academic and esports goals. Whether in the garage or on the virtual track as Koopa Troopa, he brings the same mindset: keep learning, keep improving and never stop pushing forward.