31/07/2024
โ๐ฆ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฑโ: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐' ๐ฅ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ง๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ
Being a โvanguardโ is more than just immersing oneself in video gamesโit also means being a force that takes the lead by pushing limits and setting new standards.
While it started out with the goal of establishing a community of โgame enthusiastsโ, The Urian Arena Vanguardsโ (TUAV), the official Esports organization of FSUU, became an avenue to enhance their skills, develop teamwork, and have fun while providing opportunities to compete and represent the university in various games and tournaments.
Under the leadership of team captain Ryan โAcyโ Geloca, the Valorant team including Arth Emman "EmanQT" Anito, Angelo Josh "Nefaron" B. Cadeliรฑa, John Ruther "Polbos" Corvera, Bon Cyril Jethro "vaugner" T. Gunhuran, Ed Joshua โTuxโ Sabijon, Valentino "Mikoy" Fernandez, and Arnold "Droxy" Aruj paved the way for the recognition of FSUU as one of the top teams in the nation.
From late 2023 to early 2024, the team competed against several schools across the region in hopes of advancing to the national tournament.
On January 20, 2024, despite the difficult road that took a toll on them mentally, physically, and financially, the team secured the championship for the Alliance Games Mindanao Finals powered by AcadArena, held at Robinsons Valencia in Bukidnon.
This victory earned them recognition for their skills and team play, as well as the slot to compete in the Alliance Games S4 Nationals at National University Laguna.
The teamโs preparation was visible in their daily practice sessions, focusing on match analysis and collaborative gameplay, continuously striving to improve both individually and as a team. These efforts were crucial in their impressive performances, however, their journey to the top wasnโt without its challenges.
โWe didn't get much support for our team. People didn't really believe in us, but this made us work harder to achieve something bigger,โ Geloca recalled.
All odds were against them. The team lacked the necessary support, resorting to solicitations and fundraisers to ensure that they could make it to Laguna. Despite their efforts, the team was severely underfunded, leading to a series of challenges before their big day, and even heading home after the tournament. To add, TUAV ranked 13th out of the 16 teams in the pre-national Power Rankings by Alliance Games and were clear underdogs.
Nevertheless, the plethora of struggles did not hinder them from wanting to bring home the bacon.
True to Ryan's words, the team dedicated themselves to each match, persevering despite the pressure of climbing up the ladder.
On July 21, 2024, the Vanguards truly exceeded expectations by finishing 4th in the Valorant tournament out of 16 competing teams, marking a significant and historic achievement for FSUU and the region.
Thus, for them, being a โvanguardโ means rising above the typical gamer role. They are not just players; they are representatives of this growing industry, showcasing exceptional skills, sportsmanship, and dedication. Theyโre proving that esports is more than just โvideo gamesโโitโs a platform for competition, entertainment, and community building.
Looking ahead, the Vanguards are focused on improving and strategizing for future competitions. Their goal is to dominate the esports scene, inspire others, and represent the university with pride. Also, they aim to ignite the hearts of the next generation of competitive gamers within the university, extending beyond Valorant to other esports-caliber games โwhere Urian Legends will shineโ.
The spike has already been planted. It will only be a matter of time before the efforts of these players find their way to influence others within and beyond the university.
Write-Up: Christine Marie Barba
Photo and Layout: Harrison Deutch
