Undefeated from the beginning up to the end. Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates destined to become the first CCE Season 1 Champion. They have achieved this monumental feat by defeating San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSCR) in the championship and all other collegiate teams during the eliminations.
It is an accomplishment that will never be challenged as they are undoubtedly the champions of CCE Season 1, first esports varsity cup supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). A mark in history that will never change.
Considered rookies in their own right in this new arena, LPU Pirates, are Paul Huang, Fonso Sales, March Eusebio, Ralph Araz, Mark Delos Reyes, and MJ Balcita.
"Both LPU and SSCR played tremendously, and both teams showed great team coordination during their battles," said Kirstin Montales, the co-founder of CCE. "It is interesting to witness LPU taking the crown. They are one of the universities that have shown full support to their esports athletes by providing them the necessary training and equipment to ensure their success."
Galaxy Racer, the official esports partner of CCE, marketed and supported the tournament organization, have predicted a battle between LPU and SSCR. According to Marcia Guillermo, country manager of Galaxy Racer, "Earlier on, we saw great teamwork from LPU as they won battle after battle. SSCR also showed a lot of grit during their battles, and a championship round between the two seemed inevitable."
The championship round showcased fantastic strategies and tactics from both teams and went down the wire. The LPU Pirates continued its offensive approach throughout the battle and just overwhelmed SSCR's defensive maneuvers. There was a potential shift in the middle of the fight by the LPU Pirates, who kept their composure and proved to be a more extraordinary match. In the end, the best team proved to be the LPU Pirates.
San Sebastian College-Recoletos calls their team Baste Golden Stags, with team members Jolo Denosta, Ken Ceron, Keiele Marin, Wyne Abcede, Miguel Diaz, and Mark Asuncion taking the second place trophy. The third placer is the College of Saint Benilde Astra.
The tournament held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was electrifying, with students, friends, and families coming to represent their own. They witnessed great gamesmanship from all the teams and were also treated to the appearance of Galaxy Racer’s content creator, the Tukomi Twins. Tukomi has a total of 8M+ supporters across their social media channels, represented by Lester and Hiroshi. Their appearance on stage created a light moment despite the building tension among the players, their followers, and fans.
“Galaxy Racer is proud to be the official esports partner of CCE Season 1. Seeing it through from the beginning up to crowning the champions, the LPU Pirates," said Guillermo. She added, "We look forward to the next season and other tournaments and cooperations with other companies and institutions interested in further promoting esports in the country. And to our champions, viva pirata!”