Vamshi Voopkur, a newcomer to the JV “Valorant” team, prepares for an esports match on Sept. 12.
Following tryouts last month, the Wichita State esports team looks forward to a winning season. The team aims to rise in the standings of collegiate esports while also fostering strong relationships between members.
The team includes five game squads: “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II,” “Overwatch 2,” “Rocket League,” “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” and “Valorant,” competing in various online and in-person tournaments against other collegiate competitors.
Junior Jason Nguyen, the “Valorant” varsity team captain, emphasizes that esports involve a high degree of teamwork. Nguyen noted the team selects players based on more than just gaming prowess during tryouts.
“We examined how they performed in a team environment and assessed everyone’s strengths and weaknesses,” Nguyen expressed. “Skill is crucial, but we were primarily searching for someone with a positive attitude and who was overall pleasant to be around.”
Likewise, Peyton Linn, a senior and captain of the “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” team, states being a talented gamer isn’t the only requirement for team membership.
“Firstly, we check how proficient they are at the game,” Linn explained. “Other significant aspects include being trainable, having potential for growth, and fitting well within the team.”
Freshman Xavier Billings, newly inducted member of the “Super Smash Bros.” team, matches the team’s criteria. Reflecting on his trial performance, he expressed surprise at being selected for the team.
“I was thrilled to meet other ‘Smash Bros.’ enthusiasts as I didn’t know many people who still play the game,” confessed Billings. “I was honestly ecstatic. I couldn’t believe what was happening.”
Billings plans to hone his gaming skills as part of the team, expressing admiration for the team’s camaraderie.
“Although I’m a newcomer, the senior members seem to have grown very close,” observed Billings. “We (new members) aim to match the varsity team’s skill level as we look forward to representing the varsity segment in the future.”
Nguyen is confident in his group’s potential.
“We have set high goals for this year,” asserted Nguyen. “We are starting afresh after a disappointing last semester but are hopeful of a successful season this time. We aim to emerge victoriously.”
Nguyen aims to rank the Valorant team among the collegiate top 10.
You can back the esports team all season by live-streaming their matches. Information about their games can be found by following @esportswsu on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.