Evidence of Discord Server chats dating a month back during the competition. (Harshil is me)
Gaming has always been a significant part of my life, and when the opportunity arose to host a Valorant tournament named Ascender’s League, I jumped at the chance. This event allowed me to combine my passion for gaming with my skills in organization, coding, and teamwork. The tournament hosted over 20 players, featured two enthusiastic casters, and was streamed live on Twitch, drawing over 250 views.
To ensure a successful event, I began by creating a robust framework for the tournament. We took registration fees and established a prize pool to incentivize participation. Promotion was key; I created posts on Instagram and Discord, targeting gamers who are most active on these platforms. I reached out to the Valorant community, contacting Youtubers and leveraging connections with in-game friends to build a diverse roster of participants.
Setting up the streaming system was crucial for enhancing the viewer experience. A week before the competition, we developed custom layouts and features to make the stream more engaging. We also established an offline setup for the casters, who provided live commentary on the gameplay, creating an immersive experience for spectators and players alike after each match.
Learning Outcome 1 — Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
Through organizing this tournament, I identified my strengths in both organization and communication, as I effectively coordinated with my team and ensured everyone stayed aligned throughout the process. However, I also recognized the need to improve my technical skills, especially when coding the Discord bot. Initially, the coding process was challenging and exhausting, but it became a valuable opportunity for growth, pushing me to enhance my problem-solving abilities and expand my technical knowledge.
Learning Outcome 2 — Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Organizing the tournament came with several challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was setting up the bot. Despite initial struggles, my friend and I persevered, working through the complexities of coding it from scratch. We also encountered streaming issues as the event drew closer, requiring quick thinking and adaptability to resolve. Attracting players to participate was another challenge, especially since we lacked a legacy from previous events. To overcome this, we actively sought participants through our Discord server, reached out to in-game friends, and even connected with YouTubers. This demonstrated my ability to creatively navigate challenges and find solutions.
Learning Outcome 3 — Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
The planning process for the tournament was extensive, spanning several weeks as we organized every detail, from payment collection and team formation to finalizing the tournament format. I took the initiative to develop a double-elimination system, ensuring both fairness and excitement, similar to established formats like the Valorant Championship Tour. This experience underscored the importance of meticulous planning and preparation in executing a successful event.
Learning Outcome 4 — Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
My commitment to the project was demonstrated by the time and effort I devoted to ensuring its success. From coding the tournament bot to consistently updating the Discord server and staying in regular communication with participants, I displayed perseverance in overcoming challenges and adapting to feedback. My passion for gaming fueled my dedication, motivating me to give my best throughout both the planning and execution stages.
Learning Outcome 5 — Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Collaboration played a crucial role in making the gaming tournament a success. I actively listened to my hosting team’s viewpoints, and together, we brainstormed ideas to ensure that everyone’s voice was heard. Regular communication and updates kept the team engaged and informed about their roles. This experience emphasized the value of teamwork and collective problem-solving, leading to a well-executed and polished event.
Learner Profile Attributes:
- Inquirer
- Communicator
- Open-minded
- Risk-taker
- Principled
- Reflective
- Knowledgeable
- Thinker
Throughout the organization and execution of the tournament, I demonstrated several learner profile attributes:
- Inquirer: I researched best practices for organizing tournaments and sought feedback from past event organizers to improve the process.
- Communicator: I maintained clear and open communication with both my team and the participants, ensuring everyone was informed and on the same page.
- Open-minded: I welcomed and considered diverse perspectives during the planning stages, which enriched our ideas and approach.
- Risk-taker: Hosting a new tournament was a challenge, and I took the risk of betting on participant interest and engagement, which paid off.
- Principled: I ensured fairness by adhering to established guidelines and respecting all players, maintaining integrity throughout the event.
- Reflective: After the tournament, I took time to reflect on the experience and sought feedback from participants to improve future events.
- Knowledgeable: My understanding of tournament structures and gaming communities allowed me to approach the planning and execution in a well-informed manner.
- Thinker: I used critical thinking skills to address challenges that arose during the tournament, ensuring smooth operations and successful problem-solving.
The tournament was a resounding success. The positive feedback we received, along with valuable suggestions for future events, inspires me to continue exploring and expanding this realm. I am eager to apply what I’ve learned to even bigger projects in the future.