Electronic sports, or more commonly known as “esports”, refers to online or video gaming competitions involving either individual or multiplayer teams. Based on analytics from Esports Charts, one of the most popular games in recent years is Valorant, which was released during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Associate in Arts (AA) student Ms. Caila Antonrey H. Venida, this evolved from a hobby to a passion to better herself, not just as a player but ultimately, as a person. Fueled by this passion, she became an active member of the Valorant gaming community and the president of the UPOU Esports student organization. Most recently, she was featured on the “Humans of Valorant” series of the official Valorant page, where she recounted the game’s life-changing impact.

Unlocking the World of Esports

Meet Antonrey! AA student, Esports gamer, and UPOU Esports president

Antonrey’s interest in esports began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others who were forced to stay at home, she found gaming as a form of escape from the depression and anxiety brought about by such a difficult period. In a time of so much fear, uncertainty, and doubt, gaming–especially in the name of Valorant–offered her a safe and comforting space. Eventually, Antonrey’s simple hobby grew into a full-blown passion. It was through esports that she learned the value of teamwork, communication, and constant learning. In every game, match, and team interaction, Antonrey seized the opportunity to grow not just as a player but more so, as a person.

Building a Community within UPOU

As time went on, more UPOU students developed an interest in gaming and established interpersonal connections with fellow gamers within and outside the UPOU virtual community. Ultimately, through the shared efforts of passionate individuals who saw the potential of esports in education, community-building, and personal development, UPOU Esports was born. As one of the student-led organizations of UPOU, it was formed to build a strong, inclusive gaming community among UPOU students. The core of the organization’s aim is to provide an inclusive and safe space where students can bond over shared interests, develop competitive skills, and grow personally and professionally through gaming.

As the current president of UPOU Esports, Antonrey holds this aim close to her heart which she embodies in her actions, especially when she competes or supports the UPOU Esports teams in tournaments; two of the most unforgettable being the first-ever University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Esports Tournament and UP Diliman’s DilGames Tournament.

From left to right: Aljey M. Pidlaoan, Ashley Margareth Villamor, Kaoru Jo Michaela P. Sta. Clara, Caila Antonrey H. Venida, Patricia Martillano, and Isaiah Athanasius Crisanto represent UPOU Esports at the first-ever UAAP Esports Tournament

For Antonrey, every step forward with each competition is significant for the organization. One major milestone is their participation in the first-ever UAAP Esports Tournament held in 2024. During the event, Antonrey and fellow members of UPOU Esports supported the UP Esports Varsity Team (UP EVT) by helping in their media coverage as they competed against other esports teams from other universities around the country. In her words: “Representing UPOU on such a prestigious stage was a proud and unforgettable moment for all of us.”

Another unforgettable experience for Antonrey is her team’s participation in the DilGames 2024 Tournament. Despite having limited time for preparations, Antonrey and her teammates clicked instantly and had amazing chemistry that led to a successful run during the tournament. As one of the best team dynamics she has ever been a part of, this experience really stood out to Antonrey as an embodiment of the community and culture of UPOU Esports.

Levelling Up with UPOU Esports

As an organization, UPOU Esports is focused on embracing collegiate esports and promoting its corresponding good values; thereby correcting the common misconception that gaming is just for leisure and a waste of time. On the contrary, esports–through its many forms of gaming–offers countless opportunities for learning, growth, and even career development. Furthermore, it is a safe space for many individuals, where friendships are formed and skills are developed. Through UPOU Esports, Antonrey and fellow students from UPOU will continue to prove that “esports is more than just playing games; it’s a thriving, supportive community.” 

Aside from correcting misconceptions, they have also been concerned with assuming social responsibility, primarily by contributing to raising awareness on social issues outside gaming, with particular focus on how they can reach a diverse community through their familiarity and knowledge of digital technologies. As a student organization of UPOU, it is important for them to engage in such initiatives beyond gaming, such as voter education. Why? Because just like Antonrey, the members of UPOU Esports strive to maintain a community that goes beyond the game and responds to the call of duty as responsible citizens of the nation.

To learn more about UPOU Esports, you may visit this link.

To learn more about student organizations at UPOU, you may visit this link.

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Written by: Krista Marie L. Fama

Edited by: Asst. Prof. Ana Katrina T. Marcial and Ms. Anna Ma. Elizabeth F. Cañas-Llamas