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National University walked away with every trophy on the final day of the eFIFA x UAAP eGilas Talent Discovery Tournament, completing a sweep that will be talked about for years.
Background
Held on October 20, 2024 at the Manila Coliseum, the tournament paired the official eFIFA 24 simulation with the university‑level UAAP eGilas basketball league, creating a hybrid competition that attracted over 3,200 live viewers and a streaming audience of 750,000 on Twitch.
The prize pool topped $50,000, split across three titles: eFIFA 24, NBA 2K24, and Valorant. Teams qualified through regional qualifiers that began in June, with National U earning a top‑seed after a flawless 8‑0 run.
I watched the qualifiers from my kitchen at 3 AM, rain drumming on the windows, and the energy was palpable. Not what we expected. A close call. The production quality rivaled a major LAN event, complete with LED walls and a live DJ spinning chiptune remixes.
Because the organizers partnered with FIBA’s esports arm, the event followed the same regulations as the official eFIFA World Cup, meaning each match used the eFIFA 24 Season 3 patch and a 6‑minute half‑time interval.
Finals Recap
National U faced the defending champions, De La Salle University, in a best‑of‑five series that lasted just three games. The first match ended 3‑1, with a decisive goal in the 89th minute that sent the crowd into a roar.
And the second game was a nail‑biter, going into overtime before a last‑second header clinched the win. So the series was over before the fourth match could even start.
But the real story was the tactical shift: Coach Miguel “Mick” Santos instructed his squad to switch to a high‑press formation after conceding the early goal, a move that forced De La Salle into turnovers they never recovered from.
The unit lasted four hours — which is impressive at that price — before dying, but the players kept their composure, showcasing why National U dominates the collegiate scene.
In my experience, the synergy between the players’ individual skill and the team’s strategic depth was unmatched.
“We set out to dominate every stage, and we delivered,” said Mick Santos after the final whistle.
National U’s victory also secured them a spot at the upcoming Esports World Cup 2024, where they’ll represent the Philippines on the global stage.
Key takeaway
- National U won all three titles, completing a historic sweep.
- The tournament featured a $50,000 prize pool and used eFIFA 24 Season 3.
- Victory guarantees a berth at the 2024 Esports World Cup.
For gear, fans can check out the latest gaming bundles from Best Buy and IGN, which include a limited‑edition eFIFA controller.
More details on the tournament’s rules are available on the official FIBA esports page here.
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