Xavier "xavi8k" Juan of Global Esports (GE). Photo from VCT Pacific
BUSAN, South Korea — Xavier "xavi8k" Juan looked back at his collegiate roots amid his rapid rise in the Valorant scene.
The Global Esports in-game leader can now call himself a regional champion as the Indian organization triumphed above everyone else, claiming their maiden VCT Pacific trophy on Sunday, September 6, at the Sajik Indoor Gymnasium.
But even before lifting the Pacific trophy, xavi8k expressed his gratitude to De La Salle University amid his rapid rise. Before going professional, he towed the Green Aces to multiple UAAP Valorant titles.
"Of course, I'm grateful for La Salle. I think that's how my career started. Being in a team, leading La Salle — if I don't think I went through that path, I don't think I can lead GE (Global Esports) today without the way I learned how to lead La Salle," said xavi8k, who was also a former UAAP Finals MVP in Valorant Esports.
As he continues his journey with Global Esports, which is now bound for VCT Champions, xavi8k had the same optimism he had the first time he joined the team.
READ: Global Esports books finals clash with NS RedForce in VCT Pacific: Stage 2 at T1’s expense
"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 what we heard. It's really just having faith in the result of the work."
Xavi8k and the rest of Global Esports emerged triumphant in the 2026 VCT Pacific: Stage 2, stunning Nongshim RedForce in reverse sweep fashion, 3-2, of the tournament which has Acer Predator as PC partner.