Ateneo’s Paolo Medina etched his name as the first-ever NBA 2K24 champion after beating La Salle’s Kegan Yap, 2-1, in the maiden edition of the UAAP Esports tournament Thursday, Aug. 15, at Doreen Fernandez Black Box in Quezon City.

After seeing themselves tied at 1-1, Medina, a 22-year-old BS Information Technology Entrepreneurship student, opted to use Oklahoma City Thunder and struck Yap’s Los Angeles Lakers, 74-63, and ruled the three-day competition.

“To be the first champion, I am very blessed. I feel I made a mark that will forever be there. I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Medina.

In the do-or-die match, Medina established an early lead, 25-15, in the opening frame which he preserved until the final buzzer.

Prior to his title win, the Ateneo ace finished as the No. 2 seed in Pool A then blanked UST’s Daemiel Argame in the semifinal round, 2-0.

"Not gonna lie, coming into the tournament, I felt very confident. But then, on the first day of the group stage, I lost my game against UST, and then later that same day, I lost against UP. So, it wasn't a cakewalk. It wasn't an easy path to the finals," recalled Medina.

Coach Nite Alparas wasn’t shocked by Medina’s performance, noting they had been training for half a year and he already saw his readiness in the earlier part of their quest.

Meanwhile, Erix Delos Reyes swept fellow UST bet Daemiel Argame, 2-0, to capture the bronze medal.