Already an accomplished professional VALORANT player, Xavier “xavi8k” Juan made a bold move — returning to school for a chance to fulfill a long-time dream: competing in the UAAP.
“I’ve been looking forward to UAAP talaga. I enrolled back in school just to play in the UAAP. So I’m thankful for the opportunity na I was able to experience my first UAAP as a player,” Juan shared in an exclusive interview.
“I was playing for an org before but now I get to represent the school itself.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
A third-year Business Management student at De La Salle University, Juan initially took the helm as La Salle’s VALORANT coach during the inaugural UAAP Esports tournament, leading the team to a championship finish.
This season, however, he finally cleared the eligibility requirements to step onto the stage — not as a coach — but as a player for the Green Aces.
“For four years na I’ve been playing for La Salle pero first time as a player in the UAAP. I’m proud that we won and I was able to play,” said Juan.
“I played against these schools before for four years already. I already know how they play. I already know what type of playstyle they have. Props din sa FEU kasi they almost had us,” he added.
Currently a member of NAOS Esports, Juan sees the UAAP as a crucial platform not only for school pride but also for scouting and development within the local esports scene. He hopes the league continues to grow and raise its competitive level.
“Actually the DLSU team, marami ring nagsascout sa kanila na pro teams eh. Of course di nila tinatanggap because they’re playing for La Salle. I think it is a good scouting stage because you get exposure. When you get exposure and you do good, people will notice you,” he explained.
Juan’s journey is a powerful testament to the rising legitimacy of collegiate esports — not just within the UAAP, but across the entire Philippine esports landscape.
