Weekly Wrap Up Jan13th-Jan17th 2025
Daniel Bangudu
Welcome Vandals, to the Spring 2025 season of the Vandal Esports Leagues! This week, witness the rise and epic origins of the various teams during Tryout Week! Here’s a breakdown of the week’s action!
Monday, January 13th
The week started with tryouts for Rainbow Six Siege, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Teamfight Tactics. All three teams came together with high spirits, ready to bring their A-game. After running multiple rounds of intense scrimmages that filled the lab with cheers and excitement, the Rainbow Six Siege players were divided into Varsity and Junior Varsity teams.
Meanwhile, the Smash Ultimate and Teamfight Tactics players united as single teams, spending the rest of the evening bonding and getting to know one another. The newly formed Smash Ultimate team even had the pleasure of scrimmaging against Washington State University.
Tuesday, January 14th
Day two saw tryouts for Valorant and Street Fighter 6. The Street Fighter 6 players, a small but skilled group of four, quickly formed their team and began honing their abilities through scrimmages in preparation for their upcoming league matches.
The Valorant tryouts, on the other hand, involved more players and followed a traditional format. By the end of the session, Varsity and Junior Varsity teams were established, and bonds between teammates began to take shape.
Wednesday, January 15th
Midweek tryouts featured Counter-Strike 2, Omega Strikers, Rocket League, and College Football. Anticipation ran high as players and fans formed memorable and competitive teams.
Unfortunately, no players signed up for Omega Strikers, leaving the game without a team this season. However, Counter-Strike 2 and Rocket League saw a surplus of talent, enabling the formation of Varsity and Junior Varsity teams for both games.
Thursday, January 16th
Day four focused on Overwatch 2 and Hearthstone. While only a single Hearthstone player, Intethesis, participated to represent the game in the league, Overwatch 2 attracted a large crowd. After countless hours of scrimmages, Varsity and Junior Varsity teams were formed.
Valorant also held its second day of tryouts, which drew many players eager to showcase their skills. By the end of the day, the Valorant program solidified teams for Varsity, JV1, and JV2.
Friday, January 17th
The final day of Tryout Week featured League of Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, MLB The Show, and Tekken 8. League of Legends had an impressive turnout, with numerous players showing up to prove their worth. As a result, formidable Varsity and Junior Varsity teams were formed.
Though only a few players attended the Tekken 8 tryouts, two incredible competitors made the cut and secured spots on the team. Unfortunately, Call of Duty and MLB The Show did not have enough players to form proper teams.Stay tuned this Sunday as tryouts for Splatoon 3 and Mario Kart conclude the formation of teams for this exciting season. Let’s make this Spring 2025 season unforgettable!
Our Esports Program is thankful to our wonderful fans and players in and out of the lab and the channel. Please join us in person at the Esports Lab, located in the basement of the Pitman Center, or watch on Twitch at UIdahoEsports.
Stay tuned for what’s to come next and Go Vandals!