Author: Guilherme Hiray Leal 22’ Posted Friday, December 11, 2020 @ 4:04 PM (Orando, FL) — In an eight-week tournament, the Esports Club at UCF shined to take the top prize. The Battle for the Banner was an international event consisting of schools competing against each other in seven games, including Fortnite and PUBG. Esports at UCF placed first in the overall leaderboard, more than 10,000 points ahead of the runner-up. Additionally, the club won six out of the seven games, with 11 club members finishing in top three across the board. “In all competitions, like Battle for the Banner, we have been excelling and competing at the highest level,” said Mackenzie Griffo, sophomore actuarial science major and event coordinator for Esports at UCF. Griffo represented UCF in Rocket League (a video game where players use cars to play soccer) and finished in first place with more than double the points his opponent from IUPUI had. Vinicius Albuquerque, junior business administration major and event coordination operational staff for the club, said esports are taking advantage and showing their qualities in a time of uncertainties. “This club will always be available as long as we have internet and electricity,” he said. Albuquerque played League of Legends and was one of two Knights who finished in the top three in the category. Also, he was part of the 50-member squad that represented Esports at UCF throughout the whole tournament. “It means so much to me, and all staff, that the club is excelling in events like this,” Griffo said. Due to the club’s outstanding performance, Esports at UCF will receive five brand new gaming equipment, and each member who finished first in their games were awarded a Lenovo gaming laptop. Despite being one of the youngest clubs within the Sport Club Council, Esports at UCF is already showing impact, and these are just signs of an even brighter future. “All this participation proves that Esports at UCF is growing,” Griffo said, “and I don’t think it will stop doing so.” Back