Triton Esports announces team roster and new Valorant team
riton Esports, the first-ever collegiate esports program for the University of Guam as well as the first in the Marianas, has established its roster of student-athletes for Fanuchånan 2021. The program will compete this season in three esports: League of Legends, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and for the first time, Valorant.
Following tryouts held in August, 18 student-athletes were selected based on their flexibility and skills. The athletes competed in a two-day tournament against each other, the Triton Esports coaches, and established local teams to prove their skills and earn a spot on the team.
“The Triton Esports program is not just a way for students to have fun and improve their gaming knowledge and skills – it’s a program that rigorously teaches teamwork, leadership skills, and the importance of physical fitness and mental health,” said Ken San Nicolas, Triton Esports co-coordinator. “We’re excited to have our new athletes grow in all of these areas this semester while proudly representing UOG.”
Representing Triton Esports on League of Legends are:
- Maoie “MaoieXVI” Jerao
- Anthony “Vnthony” Orallo
- Vincent “Shisuì” Pajela
- Tristan “CrimsonComet” Romero
- Ivan “Nawvii” Rosell
- Ryoh “Yors” Sato
- John “1ssok” Taman Jr.
Representing Triton Esports on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are:
- Daryl “Technition” Dianzon
- Maven “Stratagem” Dulana
- Ronee “Capstwo” Pangilinan
- Bill “Pokedranzer” Lactaoen
- Adrian “Aszy” Tambora
- Barron Josh “Trix” Tranate
Representing Triton Esports on Valorant are:
- Phillip “Que” Quenga
- Gavin “Mango” Mangosong
- Daniel “Chobo” Lee
- John Paul “Jrizzy” Tamayo
- An “Akursa” Truong
Student-athlete An Truong, front, and Noah Mueller practice together in March for an upcoming Valorant tournament hosted by Triton Esports.
The selected team members will each receive a $500 grant-in-aid award for their time and commitment. The athletes started practices last month and will work with Physical Fitness Coach Jolybii Song on their personal fitness goals. Additionally, they will meet with Mental Health Coach Paul Lazarra for personal check-ins and educational sessions on relevant mental health topics.
Events and tournaments will be announced in the near future.
Valorant: A new addition under Triton Esports
The character-based tactical shooter game, Valorant, is the newest addition to the Triton Esports program. Since its release in 2020, the game has grown an extensive fan base with a community of more than 14 million monthly players.
Competing in Valorant will allow the team, for the first time since Triton Esports launched in 2020, to showcase their skills in the first-person shooter gaming format. Coaching the Valorant athletes is Will “Leverage” Hong, whose success in the game earned him Immortal rank and placed him in the top 1% of players in North America.
“Tryouts definitely were a success,” Hong said. “Our new team may not have the highest ranks, but we are eager to grow. We’re looking forward to more executions now as a team rather than solo performances. This team will do great things — keep your eye out for them.”
Will “Leverage” Hong will coach Triton Esports’s new Valorant team.
Next round of tryouts
Triton Esports will hold tryouts again during the Fañomnåkan 2022 semester, where prospective athletes can test their skills against the standing roster to secure a spot on the team.
Those interested in following and supporting the Triton Esports team can do so at https://esports.uog.edu or by following Triton Esports on Instagram, Twitch, and Discord.
