When we found out that two CBC students are playing varsity esports for UArizona, we couldn’t wait to start asking questions.
Here Dilan aka “OneDuck” Maliyagoda, who represents UArizona on the varsity Valorant team, helped out with some answers.
Q: You’re double majoring in biochemistry and computer science. Why those two?
A: For biochem, I was always interested in chemistry and biology in high school and had a really good experience with my high school AP chemistry and bio teachers, which made me want to pursue biochem. For comp science, my dad is a software engineer and said I should take some classes, which I did freshman year. I really enjoyed the introductory classes and thought I might as well try to get a major or minor in the course, and now here I am.
Q: For those of us unfamiliar with Valorant, can you give a brief description of the game and why you chose to play it competitively?
A: Valorant is a 5 versus 5 competitive shooter where one team defends and the other attacks. The goal for the attackers is to either plant a "spike" in the defenders’ zones or eliminate the defenders. The defenders have to eliminate the attackers or defuse the spike once it's planted.
I chose to play this game since I like that there is a team play aspect to a high level. Teams with good teamwork can dominate the game and the [character] abilities allow for a wide range of strategies. However, I also enjoy the fact that even so, a good player can change the outcome of a round or make a "play" so to speak.
Q: What is it like to play competitively in front of an audience?
A: I haven't played for a large crowd in person, but some of our games have been streamed, and some of my friends have come to watch in person. There is a bit of pressure from having people watch you play, especially on the stream as people can be quick to critique —especially online— but I just try to focus on my game. It is enjoyable to have a crowd watching, especially when people are cheering you on. It gets you on sort of an adrenaline rush that is hard to get elsewhere.
