Friends and strangers alike battled in an intense racing tournament, playing “Mario Kart” in Carmichael Hall on Jan. 22 to decide who was the best driver of them all. 

A monthly event hosted by Build@Carmichael focused on video games pitted over a dozen students against each other in the Nintendo racing game. Each round saw four players compete in four Grand Prix races. The best two players moved on to the next round. 

On the line was a waffle maker, a bottle of laundry detergent, and a ticket for a free lockout in Carmichael Hall — competitors fought for these prizes as if it was a real Grand Prix.

People on the sidelines scoped out their competition for the next rounds, shouting out advice, taunts or dramatic reactions to the shenanigans happening in-game. However, the players themselves showed no emotion and all focus until the end of each round, where the results were revealed and two players were eliminated from the tournament.

Freshman Brady Johnson said, “Throughout the whole event, I could feel my heart racing.” 

After a close match between the top four players, Johnson was crowned first place, claiming the waffle maker and receiving a round of applause from the room. 

“I’ve never done something like this before,” Johnson said. “I thought I had a good chance of winning.”

This event didn’t solely consist of high-speed racing, though; groups of people were talking and laughing while they enjoyed the free snacks provided. Some played other games and some watched the games play out.

Two players who tied for second in one round even had a rock-paper-scissors duel, which turned out to be one of the most intense moments of the whole night.

“I feel like everyone was enjoying it. It was exciting — a little bit chaotic,” said senior Helen Sokha, the organizer and referee of this event.

 As part of Carmichael Hall’s monthly social programs, Sokha was happy to see how well the tournament turned out. 

She said, “I wanted more Carmichael residents to show up.”

The theme for this event was decided by a poll, in which “Mario Kart” was the winner by far. However, for next month’s event, Carmichael Hall may do something completely different. 

“I don’t think I’m going to do another tournament like this one,” Sokha said.  

Sokha said, “I was thinking of making it a Valentine-themed program since it’s Valentine’s next month.” 

Though another Mario Kart tournament isn’t in the cards right now, it may not be gone forever. After all, as Johnson said, “I’m ready for the Nintendo Switch 2, with the new ‘Mario Kart.’”