National University rode an improbable Game 2 escape to complete a 2-1 reverse sweep of Adamson University and capture the 2026 UAAP Esports VALORANT Tournament title on Monday at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.
The Bulldogs recovered from an 8-1 deficit and saved four championship points before prevailing in overtime in Game 2, then carried that momentum into the deciding map to seal the title.
It was the Bulldogs’ second esports crown since winning a breakthrough Mobile Legends: Bang Bang title two weeks ago.
NU head coach Luis Yanga credited the Bulldogs’ resilience to the mentality they developed through countless hours of training—a quality that paid dividends in their most important match of the tournament.
(C) UAAP Media Team
“Sobrang hirap nung first map pati yung second map. Kumbaga parang nasa hukay na kami. Kung titignan niyo, parang everyone was already assuming na talagang sure win na yung kalaban. Pero I think yung isang pinakaimportante is behind the scenes, yung communication ng team talagang buo pa rin and yung puso nila nandun pa rin,” Yanga shared.
“I think that’s the reason. That’s part of our training din. Talagang yung experience and yung time na tinake namin to build that – yung mental fortitude. So kahit lamang na lamang na yung kalaban, nakabangon pa rin kami. Hindi namin masyadong ininda. Talagang laro lang. Focus lang,” he added.
In Game 1, the Soaring Falcons won five of the first six rounds on the way to an 11-4 lead, but NU mounted a late rally behind Ramon Bautista Jr.’s marksmanship, winning three consecutive rounds to pull within 11-7.
Jhiemart Muto, however, halted the Bulldogs’ comeback with three unanswered kills in Round 19 before Marc Louie Gutierrez delivered three kills in the following round to seal Adamson’s 13-7 victory.
Adamson continued to dictate the pace in Game 2 as Muto and Gutierrez combined for 24 kills to power the Soaring Falcons to a commanding 8-1 lead.
(C) UAAP Media Team
The Bulldogs, however, found their footing in the second half, mounting a four-round rally to pull within 9-7 before surviving four championship points, 12-8, and completing a stunning 14-12 overtime comeback to extend the series.
NU continued to play with precision in the rubber match, taking an 8-4 lead before reaching championship point at 12-6, led by Bautista’s 18 kills and four assists.
The Jhocson-based squad never looked back from there, with Nomer James Cruz and John Cyrus Liporada emerging victorious on a 2-on-2 play in Round 21 to clinch the championship for NU with a 13-8 win.
Rob Ashton Huyong, who provided steady play for the Bulldogs, clinched the MVP award.
“Di ko po siya inexpect pero alam na alam ko sa sarili ko na naging consistent ako buong series kaya sa utak ko talagang may chance na makuha,” said Huyong of the MVP award.
Earlier in the day, Adamson swept UP, 2-0, while NU secured a similar 2-0 victory over UE to forge the title showdown.
Both UP and UE settled for the bronze medals.
