The Competitive Edge

Cam Miller's Endicott Blog!

[thecompetitiveedgeblog]

My Journey with Overwatch Esports: How a Game Shaped My Life

In late 2016, I discovered a game that would become one of the most significant

influences in my life: Overwatch. It was just a few months after its release, and I had been

introduced to it through YouTube, Twitch, and other video/streaming platforms that I was

familiar with. Some of my favorite creators were showcasing the game in their videos,

highlighting its exciting, team-based gameplay and unique heroes. The hype around Overwatch

was infectious, and it didn’t take long for me to purchase the game myself and dive in on Xbox

with my friends in middle school. What started as casual fun soon evolved into a journey of

passion, community, and personal growth that I’ll never ever forget.

Overwatch became not just a game, but a gateway to meeting incredible people and

experiencing the competitive world of esports, both of which helped shape me into the person

I’ve become today. I joined three main teams during my Overwatch career on Xbox, each

leaving a lasting impact on me. My first team, Kinetix, was where I played the role of off-tank

with my 7 other friends. Together, we dominated Xbox tournaments, winning seven straight

championships and being known platform-wide as one of the best teams ever assembled on

Xbox. My second team, Gilletes, brought me new friendships and opportunities along with

reunions, while my third team, Orchis, pushed me to my limits when we reached the Console

Gaming League (CGL) finals, ultimately losing in a close 3-4 series, but a moment I won’t ever forget.

These competitive experiences brought both new goals and victories, as well as lifelong

connections and friendships that I cherish deeply even still today. Through these teams, I met

some of the most amazing people, including my best friend Sam from Jacksonville, Florida. Sam

and I met in a Discord server of a premier league for Xbox Overwatch, called XBOWL.

XBOWL was a league dedicated to letting any console players interested in competing in

Overwatch get a chance to do so, and it just so happens that me and Sam were joining the same

team to compete in. Despite living across the country, we’ve stayed connected and even met up

in person twice over the years, which is a testament to where Overwatch as a game has brought

me!

One of my biggest inspirations nowadays came from Alex “Headrammer” Wacker, the

captain of Kinetix when I was a part of the team. His calm and strategic decision-making during

high-pressure games inspired me to approach challenges in-game with confidence and focus

while helping my team play the best they can. As captain of Endicott's Overwatch team, I strive

to emulate his ability to motivate and unite my players, creating an environment where everyone

feels valued and can speak their opinions. The traits he showed as a role model still influence me

today as I lead the team.

My introduction to Overwatch esports came while playing the game casually. In the

game’s main menu, there were occasional promotions for the Overwatch League (OWL) that

caught my attention when I saw them. The league launched in 2017 with 12 teams representing

cities worldwide, such as New York, Boston, London, and Shanghai, showcasing the best players

in the game from all around the world with various different backgrounds. Watching the OWL

felt magical, as seeing different professionals play at such a high level inspired me to take my

passion further and to even try it out for myself! After the first season of the OWL, I decided to

pursue competitive play, teaming up with my friend Sam, who went by “Trilogee.” This decision

marked the beginning of my competitive journey, one which I never knew would change my life

so drastically.

As a fan of the Overwatch League, one team stood out to me: the Seoul Dynasty.

Representing Seoul, South Korea, the Dynasty became my favorite team for several reasons, like

their players, their team mascot, their team colors, and so much more. They entered the inaugural

season with high expectations, built on the success of Lunatic-Hai, a two-time

championship-winning roster in earlier Overwatch tournaments like APEX. Despite their

potential, however, the Dynasty struggled to meet these expectations, enduring ups and downs

over the six years of their existence, which made it hard to be a fan at times.

The ups and downs of supporting the Dynasty tested my loyalty but also deepened my

passion for Overwatch esports as a whole. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I stayed up

consistently from 3-5 AM on weekends to watch their games live, since the team was stationed

in Seoul and the time-zone difference to Massachusetts was brutal. Despite the setbacks,

including four seasons without a title and a heartbreaking loss in the 2020 grand finals to the

reigning 2019 OWL champions the San Francisco Shock, I remained loyal and committed that

my team would one day bring the pieces together. Cheering for the Dynasty during this time felt

like a beacon of hope, reminding me that even in tough times, there are moments of joy and

triumph to hold onto. This came to light, especially in 2022, when my patience and loyalty were

finally rewarded when the Dynasty won their first official title by defeating the Philadelphia

Fusion 4-0 in a regional championship tournament, named the Kickoff Clash. The sheer joy I felt

that day was unlike anything I had ever experienced and solidified my love for the Dynasty and

Overwatch esports forever. Even now in late 2024, where the Seoul Dynasty is a disbanded

Overwatch league team with no signs of a potential return to Overwatch esports, I still have a

Seoul Dynasty banner hanging up in my dorm in Ventui, one that I got all the way back in 2020.

I even have Seoul Dynasty merchandise, like shirts, jerseys, socks, and drinking cups.

Now, reflecting on my journey with Overwatch, I realize how much this game has shaped

me into who I am today and how I’ve put the lessons it’s taught me into real-life scenarios. It

taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of devotion and

overcoming various challenges that might stand in the way of my goals. For instance, the

teamwork I honed and gained while coordinating with my teammates during tense matches

throughout my career has translated into my role as a leader in college. Persevering through the

Dynasty’s struggles taught me to remain optimistic in the face of challenges, a mindset that has

helped me stay resilient during difficult academic assignments and projects. The friendships I’ve

made, the memories I’ve created, and the skills I’ve gained through this experience have

profoundly impacted my personal growth, and still impact me today. Overwatch esports is not

just about the competition for me, it’s about community, connection, and finding a place where I

truly belong and will always remind me of a journey that shaped my life in ways I never

expected it.

[thecompetitiveedgeblog]

Overwatch 1 vs. Overwatch 2: Evolution or Departure?

Once known as the definitive team-based shooter, and 2016 game of the year, Overwatch captivated millions with its dynamic cast of heroes and revolutionary mechanics in FPS games. But with Overwatch 2’s release in 2022, players are left asking, did the sequel honor its original legacy or break it entirely?

Context and Backgrounds

Released in 2016, Overwatch became an instant phenomenon, that overall redefined the landscape of team-based shooters as we know it. It introduced players to a diverse roster of heroes, each with unique abilities, ethnicities, and personalities, and emphasized teamwork and strategy over pure shooting skills, which was a new take on FPS games. With its colorful, optimistic art style and easy-to-get-used-to mechanics, Overwatch carved out a place not only in casual gaming circles but also in the competitive esports world altogether.

Over the years of Overwatch's existence, Blizzard Entertainment, the game’s developer, maintained the game with updates, seasonal events, and new characters to keep players engaged in the game as time went on, to ensure it didn’t get stale or boring. I personally started playing in late 2016, specializing in the tank role, which is a role crucial to Overwatch’s tactical gameplay when playing. Playing as an off-tank in Overwatch 1 felt like a specialized task, as off-tank heroes like D.Va and Zarya weren't just responsible for taking hits but were focused on "peeling", or protecting the supports and enabling the main tank to secure space on the map. This role synergy made the gameplay feel very deeply strategic, especially when playing in a structured environment like the Console Gaming League (CGL), where I competed on a team called Kinetix. Together, we were one of the top teams on Xbox, winning eight tournaments and establishing a reputation in the community of console Overwatch.

However, as the gaming landscape evolved over the years, Blizzard announced a sequel, Overwatch 2, which aimed to refresh the franchise with new content and mechanics while keeping the core Overwatch experience intact. Overwatch 2 was introduced in 2019 at Blizzcon, a large-scale event where Blizzard showcases what's new in their games and community. Players' initial reactions to Overwatch 2 were mostly positive, as the promise of Overwatch 2 and its new and fresh content stirred excitement but also raised questions about whether a true sequel could be made out of an ongoing game with such a loyal community, and if Blizzard could fulfill their promise to the Overwatch community in the first place.

The Changes from Overwatch 1 to Overwatch 2

Blizzard’s vision for Overwatch 2 involved several significant changes that would reshape gameplay and the overall experience, including a fully-fledged PvE experience that was infinitely replayable. Some of the most notable changes that made it through and were implemented fully include:

Gameplay Mechanics: One of the most controversial adjustments, especially for the community was the shift from 6v6 to 5v5 gameplay, which changed the way the gameplay worked. By removing one tank role from each team, Blizzard aimed to reduce the game’s complexity and make matches faster-paced, as well as reduce the match queue times. However, this change significantly altered team dynamics and forced players to adapt to a more streamlined, yet arguably more chaotic, playstyle. The 5v5 format places greater emphasis on individual performance and roles, particularly on the tank player, whose role becomes even more central to each team. For someone like me, who had grown used to playing off-tank, this change was jarring and also hard to adapt to at first. In Overwatch 1, playing tank was a team-centered experience, with main and off-tanks working in tandem together to win the game and help their team the best they can. Transitioning to a single-tank system meant adapting to a much more aggressive playstyle, as all tank heroes received buffs to make them more self-sufficient. Initially, I found the change exciting, which finally gave me a chance to be the central playmaker for the team I was on, with no other tank to worry about with other responsibilities. However, the complexity and strategic depth I loved about playing off-tank were gone, replaced by a faster, more individualistic game, and in the end, it felt as if a layer of teamwork had been stripped away. 2. Graphics and UI: Overwatch 2 brought a lot of visual updates that gave the game a polished, modern look that definitely improved the way the game looked in the long run. Character models, environments, and animations were revamped, which improved overall aesthetics without sacrificing the original charm that Overwatch once gave. The user interface also saw a complete redesign, aiming for a cleaner, more efficient layout to help players new and old access key information quickly during matches, which also aligned more with the colors and polish of Overwatch 2. However, some fans felt that while the game looked visually impressive, these updates did not justify a full sequel, and it was a waste of time and effort. 3. Progression System: One of the biggest overhauls came with the new progression and reward systems which was one of the key new features and grabs of Overwatch 2. Where Overwatch 1 focused on loot boxes and event-based skins, Overwatch 2 introduced a battle pass system, along with a massive shop update and rehaul, following trends in other multiplayer games in the modern age. This shift, which involved monetizing certain cosmetics and content, whether it be too much or not, sparked many mixed reactions. While some players appreciated the straightforwardness of battle passes, others saw it as a move away from the more accessible reward structure of Overwatch 1, where players could earn skins and items more freely. Most of the recent collaborations that Overwatch has done, such as My Hero Academia, all introduced new skins for multiple heroes, all of which cost real-world money to obtain.

Community Reactions

The community’s response to Overwatch 2 has been complex and often divided, especially as of later 2024. Many long-term players expressed frustration, more specifically regarding the changes to core gameplay mechanics. The shift to 5v5 received mixed reactions, with some appreciating the faster pace but others felt it disrupted the balance and teamwork dynamics that had previously defined Overwatch as a game.

Discussions across social media platforms and online forums like Reddit highlighted several recurring criticisms, especially concerning Blizzard’s decision to monetize more heavily through battle passes and paid skins in the shop. Fans who had invested years in Overwatch 1 felt the switch to a more monetized system deteriorated the inclusivity and accessibility that had previously characterized the game.

Despite the backlash, some parts of the community have embraced the new format, welcoming all the fresh content, faster match times, and graphical updates as a whole. For some players, the changes to heroes and maps provided new challenges and an opportunity to relearn and master the game all over again, capturing some of the magic Overwatch 1 gave them.

Personally, I’ve missed the old 6v6 format. In Overwatch 2, it often feels like the burden falls entirely on me, the single tank, making the game more intense but also more isolating and so dependent on me. The connection I felt when coordinating with another tank in Overwatch 1 just isn't there anymore, and it makes me sad. I still find enjoyment in the game, but Overwatch 2's structure makes me feel more like an individual player in a solo experience than part of a larger, cohesive team overall. Interestingly, Blizzard seems to be listening to these kinds of concerns, as they are currently testing an optional 6v6 mode to see if it could be reintroduced, which shows how divided the community still is over the switch to 5v5, even two years after Overwatch 2’s release in 2022. Players have had a long time to access where their mindsets are about Overwatch 2’s 5v5 format, and Blizzard is taking action.

Overall Evaluation

Overwatch 2 feels like both an expansion and a downgrade from the original game. Blizzard at first aimed to refresh the experience and bring the game into a more modern gaming environment, but this ambition came with many different challenges that were faced. The adjustments in team structure and monetization sparked debates about whether the new Overwatch truly retains the magic of the original, and most people agree that the sequel failed to do that. As someone who has been with the franchise for 8 years, Overwatch 2 captures some of what made the original game special but lacks the collaborative spirit I cherished from the first game. The changes were very bold and overall, I often feel like they have come at the cost of the teamwork and strategic depth that defined the Overwatch experience for me in the earlier days.

Conclusion

Overwatch 2 represents Blizzard’s attempt to modernize a beloved franchise, but it remains a controversial transformation for many longtime players of the game. While the graphical updates, new heroes, and reworked progression systems may attract a new audience, which it did successfully, the move to 5v5 has left some seasoned fans nostalgic for the days of 6v6 and the synergy that two tanks brought to each match. With the recent announcement of a potential return to the 6v6 mode, it’s clear Blizzard is still navigating the balance between innovation and tradition for the game. For fans like me, Overwatch 2 is a fresh yet bittersweet experience and a game that, while it’s thrilling in its own right, feels like it has traded some of its soul for a faster, more accessible format. Whether Overwatch 2 ultimately succeeds in re-energizing the series or falls short will depend on how Blizzard continues to respond to its community’s voices, both old and new. The rest of 2024 will remain a crucial time for Blizzard, as the Overwatch 2 format remains unclear.

[thecompetitiveedgeblog]

Leveling Up: Inside the Rise of Esports at Endicott College

In the rapidly evolving world of competitive gaming, one student stands at the forefront, steering Endicott College’s Esports Club toward unprecedented growth and community engagement. Ben Fridlington, the current president of the Esports Club, embodies the passion and leadership that drive the collegiate esports scene forward. Hailing from Laconia, New Hampshire, Ben’s interest in gaming began at age 15 when he built his first PC. This early hands-on experience sparked a passion for competitive gaming, which began when his brother’s friend introduced him to Counter-Strike (CS), a popular first-person shooter. That experience would eventually lead him to form high school teams and guide him into leadership at Endicott. Under his leadership, the Esports Club has transformed from a small group of gaming enthusiasts into a vibrant community with multiple competitive teams and a state-of-the-art facility. Ben’s practical experience in both playing and managing esports teams gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of fostering a gaming culture on campus. His efforts to organize inclusive events, such as the Roblox Dress to Impress competition, highlight his commitment to making esports accessible to everyone, regardless of their gaming background. Beyond the campus, Ben advocates for the recognition and support of esports as a legitimate and valuable activity. He envisions a future where esports is seamlessly integrated into educational institutions, offering students opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Through his collaboration with organizations like SURGE towards Justice, Ben champions diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that the esports community at Endicott is welcoming and supportive for all. In this exclusive interview, Ben shares his journey, the evolution of the Esports Club at Endicott, and his perspectives on the future of competitive gaming. His insights offer a glimpse into how esports shapes student life, transforms education, and redefines what it means to be an athlete in the modern age.

Q & A Interview with Ben Fridlington, President of the Esports Club at Endicott College

Personal Background and Involvement in Esports:

How did you first get involved in esports, and what led you to become the president of the Esports Club at Endicott College? I got directly involved in the world of esports when I built my first PC. That was the gateway drug into the world of competitive gaming. I was introduced into this world by complete accident as well. My brother's friend was staying with us for a week while his parents were on vacation, and he hauled his gaming tower to our house and set it up on an end table we had lying around. He let me play a few games of Counter-Strike (CS) on it while he was visiting, and I was hooked. Following that, I did a LOT of research and built my own PC soon after. I first got formally involved with esports in high school. I was a founding member of the New Hampton Overwatch team and then coincidentally got involved with esports here! The only reason I ended up being involved here is I mentioned that I used to play on an Overwatch team in high school, and I ended up getting roped into meetings about the program here. As to how I became president, well, I was a member of the club, and the then-sitting president stepped away from the role so he could dedicate more time to his thesis. I volunteered to take his place, and after an informal election, here we are!

What games or genres of esports are you most passionate about, and why? The game I think I have the most experience in and have enjoyed the most is Beat Saber, a virtual reality rhythm game. The competitive scene for it is really lacking at this point, which does bum me out a little bit. As far as entertainment value goes, I love watching competitive Fortnite and CS 2 (Counter-Strike 2). I think there’s a lot of great strategizing and teamwork that goes into both of these games, and the way the events are held is amazing. One of the best esports events in history, in my opinion, would be the first Fortnite World Cup. I just remember how much buzz and excitement there was surrounding the event even outside of the gaming world. Even my parents knew about it! Esports at Endicott College:

Can you describe the Esports Club at Endicott and its role in fostering a gaming community on campus? Sure! The Esports Club at Endicott really aims to be the bridge between the competitive teams and the community. One of the events I’m really excited about was created by members of the club, not myself. We’re hosting a Roblox Dress to Impress competition, and I think it will be a great way to get people who typically wouldn’t consider themselves gamers involved. We are succeeding just by new people being in the space and around the facility. Outside of that, we hold events that are open to everybody, and currently have some field trips and visits in the works for our members that will get them out into the real-world climate of esports.

How has the esports program at Endicott evolved since you first joined? When I joined, I was playing on my own PC in my room using all my own peripherals. When we started, we were one team of five or so guys, and there was nothing else but us. Now we have a facility, five competitive teams, 20 or so players, and none of us have to worry about using our own setups. Outside of the physical changes, I think the mood on campus has started to shift as well, more towards the positive, even if we still have a ways to go. People aren’t always positive, and that’s okay. I would say there are still some people that are ill-informed about what esports is and what kind of person is an esports athlete. The “Fat, Sweaty & Smelly Gamer” from South Park best summarizes what some people view esports as, when in reality, I think the opposite is true. On the more positive side, I’ve had countless people stop by the room to ask me questions, hop on one of the PCs for a quick game, or just come to hang out. That is really what esports is about. Esports in the Modern Age:

How do you think esports have grown or changed in recent years, both on a local and global scale? I think COVID was huge for esports. People needed a distraction from the world, so they turned to gaming. Additionally, esports events could easily be held online and didn’t require people to be physically together like traditional sports do. I would expect the entire industry to shift from a niche to the mainstream in the next 5 to 10 years.

What role do streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube play in the growth of esports? Without platforms like Twitch and YouTube, esports would be dead. Free-to-access video platforms make esports content accessible to everyone. There’s no fear of not being able to watch your favorite team play like there is with the NBA. (I still cannot watch Celtics games at school even though I have an NBA subscription AND Xfinity streaming.) It’s just a lot simpler. Additionally, there is loads of supporting content on these platforms outside of just the competitions themselves.

Do you think esports will ever be as widely accepted and recognized as traditional sports? I think it will stay as its own thing, and that’s okay. Plenty of people online tune in to watch professional gambling, and that’s not a “sport.” Esports is its own category, and I think trying to force it into being something it isn’t will kill it. We, as a collective community, have to let it grow and thrive naturally as its own thing for its own good. The biggest obstacles will be the governing bodies of each game, as most of the time, these are the same companies running the leagues that made the game. I just personally feel like this is problematic, and a perfect example of it is what happened with the Overwatch League. They tried way too hard to make the city model work, and it failed miserably. The Future of Esports:

What trends do you see emerging in esports, and how might they shape the future of competitive gaming? I think we are going to see more esports in education, specifically high school, college, and summer programs. Statistically, (Fun Fact!) esports players are better students. I think the realization of this fact by administrations, parents, and the public will help with a lot of the social stigma that exists surrounding esports.

How can colleges and universities better support esports programs? Treat us like you would an athletic team. Give us a page on the website, make a roster, promote our games like football or basketball games are. Treat us as equal athletes even though our sport is different. Giving us the same amount of advertising as your other programs is the main thing. Step one to a successful program is not hiding us away in the basement and being ashamed to admit we exist. That’s what my high school did, and the program flopped only a year or two after I graduated. The administration didn’t see or support the vision for the future of the field. Personal Growth and Advice:

What has your experience in esports taught you, both as a player and a leader within the club? Advocate for yourself always. It’s a cliché, but you can get a lot of places in life by connecting with others, asking for help, and sharing what you’re good at. I think if we all did that every day, the world would have a lot of happier and more confident people.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in esports, either as a player or as part of a team or club? Just dive right in and get involved! We always need an extra set of hands! Also, find your niche. I love esports, but I am by no means a top-tier player. However, I am very skilled when it comes to building gaming computers and understanding how to best build a system that supports playing at the highest level. That’s my niche.

How do you see inclusivity and diversity playing a role in esports moving forward? I think it is crucial that we support people of every background in esports. I work closely with Endicott’s SURGE towards Justice (and am a member of that organization), and we had a great time last year running a charity esports tournament for Black History Month. On a greater scale, I believe that people and their stories are what make this world great, and that we truly can better ourselves and widen our world views by having relationships with people with different experiences than our own. That could be someone of a different gender, religion, race, or even as simple as someone from a different city or town than yourself. I mean, even at the most basic and dumb level, I was introduced to my favorite sandwich order from my Norwegian friend, and there is no way I would’ve ever come up with that myself. People have so much insight, both big and small, to offer, and by including everyone, we can present our best and true selves. So to answer the question, it is of the utmost importance that we are welcoming to everyone who wants to participate in esports because we wouldn’t be doing anyone a favor by being closed off.

[thecompetitiveedgeblog]

From Average to AvG: The Journey of an Esports Rising Star

In the dimly lit glow of LED monitors and the hum of powerful gaming PCs, Erineldo “AvGGamer” Chico, a sophomore at Endicott College, is honing his skills daily at the newly built Endicott esports lab. The grind of esports, a world he stepped into during his sophomore year of high school, has now become his passion. What started as a casual fill-in spot for a friend soon turned into a competitive drive that carried him through to collegiate esports. Now, with each click of his mouse and every strategic move, Chico is competing and thriving in this dynamic, ever-evolving scene.

Erineldo "AvGGamer" Chico warming up on KovaaK’s Aim Trainer

A look from the outside into the newly built esports center in lower Callahan

“I’ve always been competitive,” Chico says with a smile, recounting his early days on the ranked ladder at just 13 years old. But it wasn’t until the Overwatch League (OWL) exploded onto the scene that he truly found his calling. “Watching the pros like Pine play inspired me. I just knew this was something I had to do.”

Overwatch, the game Chico, and his teammates play, is a team-based first-person shooter (FPS) where players select heroes with unique abilities to capture objectives or defend points, in different maps around the world in an optimistic future. Each game can be a mix of fast decision-making and synchronized teamwork, adding much complexity to its gameplay. Another popular esports title is Fortnite, which is known for its massive battle royale format, where up to 100 players compete to be the last one standing in the lobby. The game’s rapid building mechanics and open-world strategy make it a huge staple in competitive play nowadays. Other titles like League of Legends, a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), demand strategic depth and team coordination as players battle to destroy the opposing team’s base. These games all require hours of dedication and specialized practice routines, which Chico and his teammates work tirelessly to perfect, especially in a game like Overwatch. The Challenges of a Growing Scene

Like many players striving to make their mark, Chico faced numerous challenges. His biggest obstacle? Navigating the largely uncharted territory of structured esports training. “The hardest part was figuring out how long to practice, and what to practice. There’s no one-size-fits-all method,” he admits. “A lot of the community gatekeeps information, so it was up to me to learn through experience.”

Chico and his teammates, like Nick "g0ne" Welton, a junior theater major, dedicate themselves to perfecting their skills in gaming. Nick recalls the intensity of recent esports tournaments, where players compete for hours on end, and manage the pressure of every move being observed. In a typical week, these players clock in 30 hours of practice, including gameplay and analyzing previous matches, typically called “VOD Reviews”.

Nick "g0ne" Welton, one of Chico’s teammates, practicing at a tournament setup

Esports, though still relatively new compared to traditional sports, demands just as much dedication and discipline. Chico spends hours refining his aim in KovaaK’s Aim Trainer, as he reviews past gameplay, and incorporates new strategies into his practice sessions. It’s a routine that balances improvement with preventing burnout, a good option for anyone serious about staying competitive. On average, Chico and his teammates play for three to four hours on days they have scrimmages with other teams, often scheduled around peak evening hours to accommodate players in different time zones.

Lounging chairs in the lab for players to enjoy gaming on

The “GULLS” branding inside the esports room, with PC’s aligned horizontally

The Grind and the Glory

Despite the challenges, there’s a thrill in pushing limits and seeing progress. Chico vividly recalls a recent tournament where his team, though still new and growing, performed with a level of teamwork they hadn’t achieved before. “That’s what stood out to me the most,” he says. “We’ve got great individual players, but now we’re starting to really come together as a team. Future teams better be ready.”

Jack "Kairos" Kiernan, another one of Chico’s teammates practicing in an Overwatch custom game

Chico practices daily, ensuring he’s constantly sharpening his skills in-game. “You can’t skip practice, even if it’s just 30 minutes. One missed day can throw you off,” he explains. His dedication is evident, as is his methodical approach to preparation for everything. Before every competition, Chico completes a specific warm-up routine in KovaaK’s Aim Trainer, covering all aspects of aim so that by the time the match starts, he’s fully warmed up and ready to perform.

The lower Callahan esports lab offers resources players like Chico can’t access in their dorm rooms. Each station has high-performance PCs, gaming chairs, and noise-canceling headsets, creating a focused environment for competitive play in any game. Here, players' distractions are limited, as opposed to the limitations of playing in their own rooms. Everything is built for focus, with screens, monitors, and even the lighting set to help players zone into the game. The esports lab’s setup provides players and students alike with a unique experience, with comfort, diversity, and accessibility being the #1 motive behind its events. The esports lab even includes a materials locker with gamer essentials, such as snacks, equipment, energy drinks, and different games for the Xbox and PS5 gaming consoles

Example of a desktop setup in the esports lab

A look inside one of the many high-performance PC’s at the esports lounge

Poster marketing for an event at the esports lounge, the “Dress To Impress” event promotes inclusivity and diversity among students at Endicott

A look into the materials locker at the lab

The Future of Esports

Looking forward, Chico’s goals are clear: he’s got his eyes set on the next level. “I’d love to go pro after college, or even become a streamer,” he says with confidence. But no matter where his career takes him, his competitive drive will always push him forward, no matter what challenge he faces.

For those looking to get started in esports, Chico has some advice: “Practice is important, but so is balance. You’ve got to have other hobbies and make sure you’re staying healthy. Maybe even hit the gym alongside gaming—it can help you get better.” His teammates even echoed this sentiment, sharing how good gym time and structured schedules keep them sharp for competition, along with a good sense of time management.

A Sense of Home in the Arena

Chico’s nickname, AvGGamer, comes from a past where others labeled him as “average” in the gaming world. But rather than let the name define him, Chico took it as motivation to improve. “I just took it and ran with it,” he says. Now, AvGGamer represents not who he was, but who he’s become. He’s a player determined to rise above and leave a mark in esports.

The monitors' glow and mechanical keyboards' clatter surround Chico, Nick "g0ne" Welton, and Jack "Kairos" Kiernan as they train. In this space, they find focus, camaraderie, and the drive to excel, pushing the limits of what it means to be competitive gamers. With a future as bright as the RGB lights illuminating his gear, AvGGamer is just getting started.