The UAAP Esports Tournament was notable for several landmark victories that set new records for different universities.
The inaugural UAAP Esports Tournament marked history for Philippine collegiate gaming.
After the dust settled from this pioneering event, one could safely say that the tournament was revolutionary and historic for participating universities—even if it encountered some challenges along the way.
Lots of firsts for collegiate schools
The UAAP Esports Tournament was notable for several landmark victories that set new records for different universities.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles hit a milestone by clinching their first-ever championship in the NBA2K.
This win not only marked a significant moment for Ateneo de Manila University, but also highlighted the first of many for esports player Paolo Medina, who led the Blue Eagles to the title.
Meanwhile, UE Zenith Esports made history in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang scene by winning the inaugural title in the UAAP.
This achievement certainly made the University of the East known for its dominance in the popular mobile gaming genre, setting a new standard for future competitions.
De La Salle University (DLSU) also left a mark by becoming the champions in Valorant under the UAAP Esports Tournament.
This win is huge as it showed how competitive Viridis Arcus Esports is as a unit. As the best UAAP first-person shooters, the DLSU squad will be given the opportunity to bring their talents to the APAC Predator League in Cebu, where they will aim to secure a spot in APAC Predator Malaysia.
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Not bad for a first-timer
Despite the groundbreaking nature of the UAAP Esports, it was not without its hurdles.
One of the most significant issues was related to technical difficulties, particularly with wifi and server stability.
Matches were occasionally delayed, and some games were marred by connectivity issues, which impacted the overall flow of the tournament, one of which included not having bronze matches for Valorant and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
Despite these setbacks though, organizers powered through with resilience and adaptability, managing to complete the landmark tournament.
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Recognition and support for athletes
It’s important to highlight that UAAP Esports did its part in growing the recognition for esports athletes, who are often overlooked compared to traditional sports players.
The tournament highlighted the need for support and acknowledgement for these athletic gamers.
A memorable moment occurred when the UE Red Warriors made a remark after their MLBB win, “UE, pa-scholar naman!” emphasizing the importance of scholarship as they are also student-athletes who are carrying the name of their school with high pride and honor.
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School spirit is prominent in esports
Perhaps the most profound takeaway from the tournament was its demonstration of school spirit in a new context. The event became proof that competitive gaming could have the same passion, pride, and school spirit as traditional sports.
Fans, players, and students all came together at Arete at Ateneo de Manila University to witness their school teams in person.
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Looking forward
The inaugural UAAP Esports Tournament is a testament that gaming continues to evolve.
Some difficulties aside, the successes and achievements of the participating schools marked a promising start for what is likely to become a staple in the UAAP's competitive landscape.