Triton Esports opens new season with robust membership growth

Triton Esports opens new season with robust membership growth

Triton Esports opens new season with robust membership growth


9/22/2023
Group photo of UOG Triton Esports athletes for Fanuchånan 2023 semester.
The Triton Esports program is seeing robust growth in membership. League of Legends, formerly a team of six, now has 11 members; Valorant has doubled in team size from seven to 18; and Overwatch membership jumped from five to 10.
Group photo of UOG Triton Esports Valorant athletes for Fanuchånan 2023 semester.
UOG Triton Esports Valorant team for Fanuchånan 2023.
Group photo of UOG Triton Esports Overwatch athletes for Fanuchånan 2023 semester.
UOG Triton Esports Overwatch team for Fanuchånan 2023.
Group photo of UOG Triton Esports League of Legends athletes for Fanuchånan 2023 semester.
UOG Triton Esports League of Legends team for Fanuchånan 2023.
Group photo of UOG Triton Esports Chess athletes for Fanuchånan 2023 semester.
UOG Triton Esports Chess team for Fanuchånan 2023.
Group photo of UOG Triton Esports SSBU athletes for Fanuchånan 2023 semester.
UOG Triton Esports Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team for Fanuchånan 2023.
Group photo of UOG Triton Esports APEX Legends athletes for Fanuchånan 2023 semester.
UOG Triton Esports APEX Legends team for Fanuchånan 2023.

 

The University of Guam's Triton Esports program presents a 40-person roster this season, reflecting a 60 percent increase from 25 participants last semester.

The program’s teams are experiencing robust growth, including League of Legends, formerly a team of six that now has 11 members. Valorant has more than doubled in team size from seven to 18, and Overwatch doubled from five to 10 members.

Triton Esports Manager Ken San Nicolas described the program’s impact on some of the students as transformative.

“We have had a number of athletes who were very quiet and introverted (and they) have really developed their communication skills and come out of their shell,” he said.

Each veteran esports athlete picks an internship role for the program.

This ranges from being a marketing assistant, web developer, production assistant, youth mentor, shout caster, PC builder and more, he said.

The program also promotes physical and mental health and wellness, he said.

“Triton Esports is not just about gaming; it's a holistic, skill-enriching experience that shapes well-rounded individuals,” according to San Nicolas.

Triton Esports is seeded seventh in the nation for Super Smash Bros Ultimate, San Nicolas said. For the other games, he added, “we hope to make our mark in these new divisions this semester.”

“From the frenzy of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to the tactical brilliance of Valorant, the strategic depth of League of Legends, the excitement of Overwatch 2, the timeless allure of Chess, and the emergence of a brand-new Apex Legends team – there's a game for every gaming aficionado,” San Nicolas said.

The program accepts applications from full-time UOG students. Membership and participation in collegiate competition can be maintained in part by having a passing GPA.

Students who do not meet the criteria can still be a part of the team and practices and lessons, but they are unable to compete in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE).

For more information:

Email: Triton Esports Manager Ken San Nicolas, sannicolask@triton.uog.edu
Website: Students interested in being a part of the Esports team can apply at https://esports.uog.edu/tryouts/