4 minute read

Clean Up Crew

BEATING THE COMPETITION AT BEA ESPORTS VALORANT: CLEAN UP CREW

Words by Matt Thompson.

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In case you didn’t know, we now offer eSports at ACC! It’s been a really exciting time for us to delve into this whole new area of gaming and as part of that, some ACC eSports teams have been formed. Partly to offer real-world experience in competitive gaming, partly because it allows us to be an active part of this new sporting community and partly because it’s fun and exciting to see our students take to the stage and jump into battle!

Recently, Clean Up Crew, an eSports team made up of ACC Norwich students Sean, Rhys, Laban and Elliot took part in the recent British eSports Association’s (BEA) Valorant tournament. We took some time out to find out what they’ve thought of the tournament.

Hi guys, how has the BEA eSports tournament been so far? Sean: The tournament has been an amazing experience, challenging at times but great to have a better insight into how eSports works in the UK. Rhys: It’s been a new but great experience, pretty challenging and interesting to find out more about British eSports. Laban: The tournament has been amazing and allowed me to gain valuable experience in the competitive sector. Elliot: So far I have had some great moments with the team in the tournament and other teams taking part. I’ve loved getting closer with my teammates, getting to the stage of being in more than just a competitive game and instead playing at a level which could determine our chances of winning later in the game.

What’s it like to be in an eSports team like Clean Up Crew in a tournament of this scale? R: It’s been really fun and challenging and has created some exciting moments to remember when going through my eSports career. L: It has been quite a challenge so far, with some very tough opponents. The overall experience has been quite a thrill with some very intense moments within the games. It has also allowed us to really get a feel for what being part of

an organisation is like. S: It has been very fun to be able to play with friends, improving together and competing against other teams dealing with very intense and exciting moments with each other. E: Being in the Clean Up Crew is giving me the opportunity to practice multiple hours and sessions weekly to get the performance expected of the player. I love the experience of being in a team as it has bought us closer in and outside of the game.

What do you think it brings to your experience of studying and ACC in general? R: It has brought a new perspective on the eSports industry which has positively impacted my studying a lot. S: I agree with Rhys. It’s improved my whole perspective on the industry and helps with studying in a very positive way. L: It has allowed me to see what it is like to play within a large scale tournament first hand, as well as creating a bond with my other team mates over a hobby that we all enjoy. E: Playing for the team gives me that extra boost of eSports experience of what it’s like taking part in tournaments and a behind the scenes understanding how a tournament is run. This experience will help me in the future when I start to think about what job I would want.

Do you think it’s changed your overall opinion of the wider gaming industry, and if so how? L: It’s opened my eyes to how difficult it is to organise a tournament of a larger scale. E: My overall opinion of the gaming industry hasn’t changed massively. What has changed is the way I see a professional player, how they achieve, how they manage to continue playing at a high level of competitiveness and also how they keep their composure.

Lastly, what are your aims for the future and has taking part in tournaments of this size changed your aims? S: It has made me want to compete in more tournaments in the future at the same amateur level, but it also makes me want to strive to play in bigger tournaments and improve as a player. R: It has definitely made me want to pursue the potential of being part of a professional eSports team. L: My aim for the future is to work within the eSports industry as a coach/ analyst. Playing this tournament has really helped me understand what it is like to coach a team of players to a high standard and level. E: At the beginning of the tournament, I felt some pressure to achieve. For the first two weeks of the tournament, I was entirely focused on winning, which was a bit of a weight. But all I needed to do was compose myself and focus on my own gameplay rather than focusing on getting the win.

To keep up to date with Clean Up Crew, follow them on instagram @cleanupcrewesports.

If you’re interested in eSports, go to accesscreative.ac.uk for more information on our eSports courses currently accepting applications for September.

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