There’s no better storybook ending to your college life than becoming a two-peat UAAP champion.
With the recent conclusion of UAAP Season 87 Esports, Ateneo’s Paolo Medina and crew made a historic finish as repeat NBA2K champions. The Blue Eagles were able to sweep the UST Growling Tigers 2-0, completing an almost perfect run with their one loss going to the DLSU Green Archers.
For Paolo, nothing could be better than this moment. The graduating BS Information Technology Entrepreneurship student won the gold for Ateneo last year, but this year it hits different.
“It feels 100 times better than it did last year because of the new format that the UAAP adopted this year,” said Ateneo’s Paolo Medina. “It was actually a team game — we were representing Ateneo, so it wasn’t just me. For me, that makes this moment so much more satisfying knowing that I did it with my teammates who are also graduating with me.”
Paolo actually credits teammate Luis Jovallenos for their success, thanks to his clutch game one victory. Luis went the distance against UST’s Daemiel Argam,e with game one going into overtime. Thanks to his perseverance, Luis cinched a 1-0 lead for Ateneo and paved the way for Paolo for the sweep.
“So for us to finish our college life like this, with a very monumental back-to-back championship, it means a lot to me and I’m very happy that this whole squad pulled it off.”
The Future of UAAP Esports
When asked about his thoughts on UAAP esports and the changes they’ve made since last year, Paolo just pointed to the massive crowd watching the MLBB grand finals between the NU Bulldogs and the Green Archers. The second and third floors of the Quantum Skyview Deck in Gateway Mall 2 were packed with fans and onlookers.
“I think that in itself means more visibility this year. There’s more viewership, the stage is bigger, you can absolutely hear the crowd,” said Ateneo’s Paolo Medina, who had to raise his voice numerous times just so he could be heard over the cheering.
“The atmosphere this year is way different from how it was last year in Arete. In Arete, it really felt like it was experimental. I think this year, or maybe next year, will be the one to push UAAP esports into the mainstream side. I really expect that this tournament will get bigger and bigger every year.”
“Hopefully next year we’ll have more games,” continued Ateneo’s Paolo Medina. “This year, it was the same three games that were adopted, but I still think it’s a good step. For NBA2K specifically, I’m hoping they change it to the five-versus-five Pro-Am game mode. I think that will really unlock the potential of NBA2K esports in the Philippines. And honestly, I can’t wait to see the next generation of esports athletes.”
Moving Beyond the UAAP
With this last triumph in his college life achieved, the question now is, where does Paolo go from here?
“For me, I don’t think I want to pursue gaming competitively. If I wanted to pursue something, it would be more on the streaming and content creation side. It’s something I really want to do.”
A bit of a surprising choice for Paolo, especially since he’s now a two-time UAAP champion. Considering that Ateneo’s head coach, Nite Alparas, is also the head coach of eGilas Pilipinas, he undoubtedly had a shot at playing for the national team. But if Paolo feels that his calling is elsewhere, then we’re sure that the drive that got him and his team two championships will take him far.
“Gaming really is my passion, so of course I would love to pursue something related to gaming after college. I feel like the UAAP esports was such a big door for me, a great opportunity for me, and I’m very grateful for that. So hopefully I can capitalize on that after I graduate.”
Banner photo from The UAAP.