IT definitely isn’t the game of my generation, but for the past two years I have had a lingering interest in esports.
Ever since I watched 40 episodes of The King’s Avatar on Netflix, I have been hooked-sometimes mildly, sometimes madly-on these games that have today’s youth in a chokehold.
I find the battles themselves exciting-even if I still need to assist myself with resources like Valorant for dummies from time to time. But it’s the preparation-mental, psychological, physical and neurological-that intrigues me.
Those who say esports is not sports need only to get deep into how the game is played and prepared for. Or think of why an even more (seemingly) passive game like chess is part of local and international competitions.
Chess players may look like immoveable Rodin statues at times, but chess involves head-to-head competition, ingenuous and astute thinking, brilliant strategizing and smart moves. All the action happens-physically-inside the organism. The fingers moving the pieces are just the last part of the operation.
Same thing with esports-which is even more physical than chess. An esports player processes 400 actions per minute as he or she experiences surges of adrenaline, spikes of energy and intense physical strain. Mental focus and tunnel vision aid split-second decisions. Muscles twitch due to intense stress. Players experience fatigue due to overworked finger and forearm muscles. Eye strain and dry eyes, tight shoulders, sore wrists and stiff backs are part of the territory.
Whoever says esports is just playing an e-game for fun should examine the sport deeper. Just like in other sports, training to play esports requires a strict daily routine, discipline and rigorous training. Mechanical warm-ups, deathmatches, rigorous practice in the game’s range (attack range, casting range, weapon effective range, positional range) and reviewing mistakes are de rigueur.
Special talents like visual processing (to track dozens of fast-moving targets and mini map dots in milliseconds), pattern recognition (to predict enemy moves based on past habits or sounds), risk calculation (to attack or retreat), emotional control (staying calm after a loss to avoid distraction or panic) and good communication (giving clear calls to teammates when needed) are indispensable.
The fascination with esports has been so widespread that the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) included esports in its sports line-up, launching its first ever esports tournament in August 2024. The tournament acted as a thrilling bridge between Seasons 86 and 87.
This year, the esports tournament again serves as the herald of Season 89, alongside U16 Boys Basketball.
The same three esports titles-Valorant, Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) and NBA 2K-are being played in between Seasons 88 and 90. Valorant hostilities have begun (August 13) and were supposed to blitz through four consecutive days, but rains and floods have interfered, however. Only one complete game day featuring four teams has been played. The August 17 schedule could only accommodate one game, thanks to the aforementioned floods and rains.
So far, the University of Santo Tomas, University of the East and the University of the Philippines emerged winners on opening day, while defending champions De La Salle University drew a tie with National University. Ateneo, Adamson University and Far Eastern University lost their first games, but the Soaring Falcons were able to pull off a victory over the Blue Eagles on August 17.
Played in a high-tech modern arena (the MVP Studio in Mandbaluyong City), the esports atmosphere is electric, with giant LED screens and flashing laser lights in a semi-darkened room, throbbing with excitement that is heightened by loud cheering.
Two soundproof team booths are on opposite sides of the stage, with players wearing headsets and sitting on gaming chairs. Stadium seats are tiered, with cheering paraphernalia being waved here and there, as hyperactive, colored spotlights sweep the room.
Shoutcasters call the shots, describing each intense move and moment with hype and drama. The climactic last seconds are cloaked in a hush, especially in close games, as gamers of the two teams make their final assault, or pull off their prize-est moves for last. Then the arena erupts in max volume shouts and cheers.
Except for the smaller, tighter venue, the deep, booming bass and the neon colors flashing on screen, an esports game day has all the drama, passion and team pride of UAAP sports that are played in open fields or cavernous arenas.
School spirit still drives the action in this house filled with buzz and mad love. That’s part of the magic and the unique attraction of collegiate esports.