Campus Life’s esport event showcases the depth of APU’s gaming community
A 43-inch television was up for grabs at the Super Smash Bros tournament on Nov. 8.
A total of 67 contestants showed up for game day in the Trinity Hall Lounge to showcase their gaming skills. The tournament, which was the first esport event that the Office of Campus Life (CL) has hosted, featured an elimination format where players started out with pool play over seven stations and eventually transitioned into one-on-one play.
Since it was the first of its kind, the CL Intramurals team that organized the event did not know what to expect from the event nor from the participants. However, the commitment of the players exceeded any expectations.
Many players brought their own controllers and gloves to benefit their performance. Some even brought their own Nintendo Switches on the day to warm-up before matches. Crowds of spectators that gathered in the hall amplified the intensity of the competition.
The championship match consisted of junior graphic design major Matthew Bustillos and senior computer science major Jaylen Quizon. Quizon played with Mario and Bustillos chose Ludwig as his pick.
The best out of five-match was as close as it could be. The pair went toe to toe in the first four matches, forcing a fifth decisive match. With a finishing blow, Bustillo’s Ludwig emerged victorious from the duel.
“[I was] A little shaken from after because it was such a close game,” Bustillos said. “All those hours of practice paid off.”
The champion was accompanied by cheers and shouts from the crowd as he accepted the grand prize after his performance.
However, Bustillo’s win wasn’t the only victory of the day.
Attendees were thrilled that such an event was being held on campus, feeling that it opened doors to a new community. Some players said they were surprised by the amount of people who played Super Smash Bros.
Judson Lim, CL campus recreation coordinator, felt the event was a good start to what can develop into a strong gaming community.
“A lot of schools have collegiate sports that have esports have e-teams that are sponsored and funded by the school,” Lim said. “I don’t know if we’re going to get there quite yet, but this is a good starter.”
With the success of the event, the CL Intramurals team looks forward to hosting more esport events in the near future.