Esports: La Salle opens UAAP Valorant title defense with xavi8k at the helm
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Esports: La Salle opens UAAP Valorant title defense with xavi8k at the helm
ABS-CBN News
Published May 06, 2025 05:40 PM PHT
De La Salle University is the reigning champion in the UAAP Esports Valorant Tournament. UAAP Media/file
De La Salle University is the reigning champion in the UAAP Esports Valorant Tournament. UAAP Media/fileMANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University has one goal as the UAAP Esports Valorant Tournament resumes — retain the title in its hands.
MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University has one goal as the UAAP Esports Valorant Tournament resumes — retain the title in its hands.
The collegiate esports competition opens Wednesday at the Quantum Skyview Deck of Gateway 2 in Quezon City.
The collegiate esports competition opens Wednesday at the Quantum Skyview Deck of Gateway 2 in Quezon City.
Xavier Juan, known as xavi8k in the Valorant pro scene and La Salle’s head coach last season, will return to the spotlight as a player after regaining his amateur status and clearing eligibility requirements.
Xavier Juan, known as xavi8k in the Valorant pro scene and La Salle’s head coach last season, will return to the spotlight as a player after regaining his amateur status and clearing eligibility requirements.
Juan joins a dominant Viridis Arcus squad that went undefeated in last season’s tournament to capture the inaugural UAAP Valorant crown.
Juan joins a dominant Viridis Arcus squad that went undefeated in last season’s tournament to capture the inaugural UAAP Valorant crown.
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“Deep inside, I’m still a player. My passion is to compete. Playing, not coaching. Maybe in the future I’ll coach after getting experience here, like having a backup plan. But honestly, I still wanna compete, and I know I can still compete,” said Juan, moments after piloting La Salle to the championship last year.
“Deep inside, I’m still a player. My passion is to compete. Playing, not coaching. Maybe in the future I’ll coach after getting experience here, like having a backup plan. But honestly, I still wanna compete, and I know I can still compete,” said Juan, moments after piloting La Salle to the championship last year.
In November, Juan also led Viridis Arcus to a runner-up finish at the Predator League Philippines 2025.
In November, Juan also led Viridis Arcus to a runner-up finish at the Predator League Philippines 2025.
Taking over as La Salle's head coach is Aron Orlando, the former tactician of UP’s Valorant squad.
Taking over as La Salle's head coach is Aron Orlando, the former tactician of UP’s Valorant squad.
La Salle joins National University, Ateneo, and University of the East in Group A. The teams will compete in a single round-robin best-of-three format, with the top two advancing to the crossover semifinals.
La Salle joins National University, Ateneo, and University of the East in Group A. The teams will compete in a single round-robin best-of-three format, with the top two advancing to the crossover semifinals.
Meanwhile, Season 87 runner-up University of Santo Tomas is grouped with Adamson University, University of the Philippines, and Far Eastern University in Group B.
Meanwhile, Season 87 runner-up University of Santo Tomas is grouped with Adamson University, University of the Philippines, and Far Eastern University in Group B.
Aside from Valorant, the UAAP Season 87 Esports Tournament will also showcase NBA2K and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), both slated from May 13 to 16.
Aside from Valorant, the UAAP Season 87 Esports Tournament will also showcase NBA2K and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), both slated from May 13 to 16.
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