Paolo Medina of the Ateneo Blue Eagles reigned supreme in the first-ever UAAP esports NBA 2K tournament.
The first-ever UAAP esports NBA 2K tournament has officially come to a close.
Ateneo Blue Eagles' Paolo Medina emerged victorious, capturing the title after edging out his rival, DLSU Viridis Arcus Esports' Kegan Yap, in a thrilling best-of-three series at the Doreen Fernandez Black Box, Areté Ateneo in Quezon City.
“To be the first champion, I am very blessed. I feel I made a mark that will forever be there. I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Medina, a 22-year-old BS Information Technology Entrepreneurship student.
The first game saw Medina’s San Antonio Spurs narrowly defeat Yap’s Chicago Bulls with a close score of 77-75.
Despite this narrow loss, Yap fought back in Game 2 with the Los Angeles Clippers, securing a 93-89 victory over Medina’s Sacramento Kings.
However, Medina clinched the title in Game 3 with a decisive 74-63 win using the Oklahoma City Thunder against Yap’s team, solidifying his status as the UAAP Esports NBA 2K champion.
"Honestly, sa six months na nag-training kami, parang two months ago sinabi ko sa kanya na, 'We are 100-percent ready to compete sa UAAP.' Nangyari nga, nag-champion kami," said Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Nite Alparas.
"Sobrang confident ako kay Paolo kase simula February nakita ko siya. Nakita ko yung growth niya, development niya as a player. Sabi ko, 'Pagaling ka nang pagaling. Nagi-improve ka, lahat ng sinasabi ko sa'yo naa-absorb mo. Tina-try mo yung new things. Hindi ka takot magkamali,'" he added.
In the bronze medal match, UST Teletigers Esports Club's Erix Delos Reyes showcased his prowess by defeating his schoolmate Daemiel Argame with a commanding 2-0 victory.
Delos Reyes, representing the Milwaukee Bucks, won the first match 72-63 against Argame’s Boston Celtics and secured the bronze by overcoming Argame’s Los Angeles Lakers 71-57 in Game 2.