Xavi8k reflects on difficult first year in VCT Pacific, GE's championship breakthrough

MANILA, Philippines — For Xavier "xavi8k" Juan, Global Esports' VCT Pacific Stage 2 championship was the payoff for years of believing he belonged at Valorant's highest level.

After making his name in the Philippine scene and collegiate Valorant, Juan finally got his chance to compete in Tier 1 this year. The adjustment, however, was far from easy.

“Honestly, this is one of the most stressful years I've ever had. I've been competing in Tier 2 and I thought the gap wasn't that far, Tier 1 and Tier 2. But joining now is totally different. The pressure is way more. And it's really hard,” Juan said in an interview with Filipino media after Global Esports lifted the VCT Pacific Stage 2 trophy in Busan last week.

The team's early struggles only added to the challenge. But as the season progressed, Global Esports found its footing, both in practice and on stage.

“Start of the year was rough. And I think now, our coaching staff has improved. And we're able to work together better. And the results show that it is working,” said Juan.

Those results culminated in a Pacific title and another international appearance for a roster that Juan believed was special from the very beginning.

“Actually, when the team first got together, I really knew it was special. I didn't expect us to qualify for everything. But gradually, we started to believe that we can do it. It's really just having faith in the result of the work,” recalled Juan.

For the rookie IGL, the breakthrough season carried added significance because of the path that led him there.

Before reaching VCT Pacific, Juan honed his leadership skills with De La Salle University, where he helped establish one of the country's strongest collegiate Valorant programs both as a player and coach, leading to back-to-back victories for DLSU in the Valorant event of the UAAP esports.

Looking back, Juan credits that experience for preparing him to lead on the international stage.

“I'm grateful for La Salle. I think that's how my career started. Being in a team, leading La Salle. If I didn't go through that path, I don't think I can lead GE today without the way I learned how to lead La Salle,” shared Juan.

Despite waiting years for the opportunity to play in VCT Pacific, Juan said he never doubted his ability to compete against the world's best.

“I always knew I could do Tier 1. I knew in my heart that I could do it. I just never had the opportunity to play until this year. And this year, we made it to three out of the four internationals. I'm just glad I had the opportunity to do it this year,” said Juan.

The Pacific championship was made even more memorable by where it happened.

Juan recalled being in Busan with teammate Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza when Global Esports officially secured a playoff berth earlier in the year. When the team later returned to the same city and lifted the trophy, the moment felt almost destined.

“I mean, ever since I joined the team and we started playing, I knew that this team was special. And why I thought it was destined in Busan, I went here with Pat the day we qualified for the playoffs because RRQ won [their match] and we were in Busan. I just felt like, you know, that was a sign. Now we're in Busan and we won. So, that's why I felt that way,” said Juan.

With three Filipinos competing in the highest tier of Valorant esports in the coming Valorant Champions Shanghai, Juan remains optimistic about the future of Philippine Valorant.

“Honestly, I think the Philippines has so much talent. And they really just need guidance and the heart to keep going,” he said.

While he acknowledged the lack of organizational support compared to other regions, Juan believes Filipino players have the ability to succeed internationally if given the right opportunities, just as he experienced this year.

“I think a lot of Filipinos have potential, but they don't really have the grit to grind it out. I mean, there's also not a lot of Orgs. I really believe in the Philippine scene. So, if more organizations invest, there's a lot of talent that can compete.”

Juan and Global Esports will hope to raise another trophy as they open their Valorant Champions Shanghai campaign against EMEA's Team Vitality on Saturday, September 26, at 7 p.m. (Manila time).

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