Xavi8k is back.
After masterminding De La Salle University’s perfect title run from the sidelines last season, Xavier Juan trades in his headset for a keyboard as he returns to competitive play in the UAAP Esports VALORANT Tournament, which kicks off on Wednesday at the Quantum Skyview Deck of Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City.
Juan, who regained his amateur status and cleared eligibility requirements in the offseason, is suiting up for a powerhouse Viridis Arcus squad that went undefeated last year to claim the league’s inaugural VALORANT crown.
“Deep inside, I’m still a player. My passion is to compete. Playing, not coaching. Maybe in the future I’ll coach after getting experience here, like having a backup plan. But honestly, I still wanna compete, and I know I can still compete,” said Juan shortly after steering La Salle to the title in Season 86.
In November, Juan continued to lead La Salle’s VALORANT program to success, guiding the team to a runner-up finish at the Predator League Philippines 2025.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With Juan’s shift to player status, La Salle’s coaching reins have been handed over to Aron Orlando, the former head coach of UP’s VALORANT squad.
La Salle begins its title defense against National University in Group A, which also includes Ateneo and University of the East. Teams will face off in a single round-robin best-of-three format, with the top two advancing to the crossover semifinals.
Season 87 runners-up University of Santo Tomas lead Group B alongside Adamson University, University of the Philippines, and Far Eastern University.
The UAAP Season 87 Esports Tournament will also feature NBA2K and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), both scheduled from May 13 to 16.
All matches will be broadcast live on Pilipinas Live and the UAAP Varsity Channel.
