Before reading the blog, here are links to all the required evidences:
Evidence of Discord Server chats dating a month back during the competition. (thisismudith 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 this tournament, I identified my strengths in organization and communication, as I effectively coordinated with my team and ensured everyone was on the same page. However, I also recognized the need to improve my technical skills, particularly in coding the Discord bot. Initially, the coding was challenging and exhausting, but it was an opportunity for growth, pushing me to develop problem-solving skills.
Learning Outcome 2 — Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Organizing this tournament presented various challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was setting up the bot. Despite the initial struggles, my friend and I persevered, working through the complexities of coding from scratch. We also faced streaming issues as the event approached, which required quick thinking and adaptability to resolve. Additionally, attracting players to join our tournament was a challenge, especially since we lacked a legacy from previous events. We actively sought participants through our Discord server, in-game friends, and outreach to Youtubers, demonstrating my ability to navigate challenges creatively.
Learning Outcome 3 — Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
The planning process for the tournament was extensive. We spent weeks organizing everything from payment collection and team formation to finalizing the tournament format. I took the initiative to develop a double-elimination system, ensuring fairness and excitement, mirroring established formats like the Valorant Championship Tour. This experience taught me 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 this project was evident in the time and effort I dedicated to ensuring its success. From coding the bot to regularly updating the Discord server and maintaining communication with participants, I showed perseverance in overcoming obstacles and adapting to feedback. My passion for gaming drove me to give my best throughout the planning and execution stages.
Learning Outcome 5 — Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Collaboration was essential in making the tournament successful. I listened to my hosting team’s viewpoints, and we brainstormed ideas together, ensuring everyone’s voice was heard. Regular communication and updates kept everyone engaged and informed about their roles. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and collective problem-solving, ultimately leading to a more polished event.
Learner Profile Attributes
- Inquirer
- Communicator
- Open-minded
- Risk-taker
- Principled
- Reflective
- Knowledgeable
- Thinker
Throughout the organization and execution of the gaming tournament, I embodied several learner profile characteristics. I was an inquirer as I researched best practices for organizing tournaments and sought feedback from previous event organizers. I demonstrated my communication skills by maintaining clear and open communication with my team and participants, ensuring everyone was informed. Being open-minded allowed me to welcome and consider diverse perspectives during the planning stages. I embraced the challenge of hosting a new tournament as a risk-taker, betting on participant interest and engagement. Throughout the event, I remained principled by ensuring fairness and adhering to established guidelines while respecting all players. After the tournament, I took time to reflect on the experience and sought feedback from participants, showcasing my reflective nature. My understanding of tournament structures and gaming communities contributed to my knowledgeable approach, while my thinking skills were utilized to address challenges effectively, finding solutions to ensure a smooth tournament experience.
The gaming tournament was a resounding success, and the positive feedback we received, along with valuable suggestions for future events, motivates me to continue exploring this realm. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to even bigger projects in the future.