By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
For many young athletes, the dream of representing their university in a major competition is the pinnacle of their early careers.
For Joaquin Luiz Padilla, this dream is becoming a reality as he prepares to take on the role of Valorant duelist for Far Eastern University in the inaugural UAAP Season 87 Esports Tournament.
At just 19 years old, Padilla, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Biology student, is on the cusp of turning his lifelong passion for gaming into a professional career.
His journey from casual gamer to university representative is a testament to his unwavering confidence.
“For me, yes. Because I do believe in my skills and I have the ego to chase my dreams and passions,” Padilla asserted.
Padilla’s passion for gaming started at a young age.
By the time he was in fifth grade, he had already discovered his natural talent for FPS games.
His first serious foray into the genre was with Counter-Strike, a game that captivated him throughout his formative years.
However, it wasn’t until the release of Valorant in 2020 that he realized this was his true calling.
“Ever since I was a kid, I was very passionate when it comes to video games and I found out my passion directly scopes into shooter games. I started out with Counter-Strike around Grade 6, Grade 5. And I never stopped playing since then. So when Valorant came out that’s where I realized that this is my biggest shot,” Padilla recalled.
Now, as he steps onto the stage of the UAAP, Padilla is not just playing for himself; he’s playing for his university.
The UAAP has long been a launchpad for young athletes, a platform where they can showcase their talents and bring glory to their schools.
For many, it’s also the first step toward a professional career.
Padilla sees this tournament as more than just a competition.
For him, it’s a moment in his journey to becoming a professional player.
“This is a huge opportunity for me and a significant step in my career. It’s an honor to represent my school, and I’m thrilled to gain more experience and take my skills to the next level,” he shared.
As the UAAP 87 Esports Tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on Padilla and his teammates. This is their chance to shine, to prove that their skills are not just good enough for the collegiate level, but for the professional stage as well.
