University of the East defied odds and stunned UST, 2-0, in the finals to capture the first-ever UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang crown Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Hyundai Hall, Arete Ateneo in Quezon City.

Led by Ariel Dolar, the Zenith Warriors displayed steely nerves in two games to complete their improbable run over the title favorites Teletigers, who were unscathed heading into the finals.

Dolar’s Lancelot played a crucial role in the first game, outshining UST’s Wayne Valentino’s Roger, while John Lawrence Chavez and Ryan-Ver Federizo backstopped him in the second match to seal the deal for UE.

Prior to its title win, UE shrugged off its shaky performance in the preliminaries, finishing with a 1-1-1 win-loss-draw card then pulled off an upset against the undefeated FEU, 2-1, via reverse sweep in the semifinals.

Zenith Warriors mentor Jon Benedict Sampang, a freshman BSIT student, was in awe of his team despite its rollercoaster showing throughout the tournament.

"Sobrang sarap sa feeling kasi nareunite kami pong players saka coach sa team,” said Sampang. “Di ko na talaga maexplain yung nararamdaman ko, naiyak na lang talaga ako."  

Chavez was thrilled to win the Most Valuable Player honor and the Chowking Kakaibang Player of the Tournament.

In the other events, Ateneo's Paolo Medina clinched the NBA2K crown last week. Meanwhile, La Salle came out undefeated to rule the VALORANT tournament last Friday.