The two qualifying teams are Valorant and Apex. Apex initially competed on Thursday, May 1, qualifying for State. Valorant, having won 2nd in all of Central America, will compete at State today to get the title as the Texan Champs!
“I wasn’t expecting to do that well in the beginning because I didn’t realize it was that serious and thought it would only be for fun,” Valorant’s Arqish Prasla said. “But we started winning a lot and ended up qualifying for nationals.”
Although the two teams have already made it to state, this is the club’s very first year, having been formed a few months ago under the sponsorship of CTE Department Head Elaine A. M. G. Soares.
“As the president, bringing this club to flourish has been a great challenge,” sophomore Zeeshan Khan said. “But making it in regionals and qualifying for Nationals and State in our first year has proven our potential without a doubt.”
Now competing at state, Valorant can progress to Nationals if they do well on May 2.
“Even though we are like insanely good, I can’t help but be nervous for such a big event,” Valorant’s Albert Wang said. “Still, I believe we have a good chance of winning as long as we play our cards right.”
This new club’s potential has already raised expectations for the team members.
“Everyone on this team I know is confident that we will win state for Valorant, but there’s a lot to work on ourselves,” Valorant’s Truman Pham said. “I want to see us win nationals by the time I graduate.”
