Gower College Swansea has revealed that students from its GCS Owls esports team will be making their debut appearance at Epic.LAN 41.
Update: The team won the Valorant intermediate tournament at the event:
Original article:
They will be competing in the Valorant tournament at the latest LAN event in Kettering, which will run from February 22nd to 25th 2024.
The roster consists of Cai, Mini, Ash, Benger and Kian.
The college said ‘this step forward marks another exciting chapter in the college’s esports journey, as they continue to make waves in the competitive gaming landscape and participate in their first major LAN event’.
In contributing to this opportunity for the GCS Owls, support has been provided by their industry partners, with the team making special acknowledgment to gaming chair brand GT Omega and UK online game retailer The Game Collection.
While the GCS Owls Valorant team achieved an impressive top #1 finish in the Winter Split of the UK National Division of the British Esports Student Championships – remaining undefeated – they acknowledge that Epic Lan will pose a unique challenge.
Dan Davies, Valorant Head Coach and Community Gaming Manager for the GCS Owls, said: “Competing at Epic.LAN 41 is a testament to the hard work and dedication our students put into esports. We’re immensely grateful to the college’s management team and our industry partners for making this journey possible.”
Kiran Jones, Social Media Manager for the GCS Owls, added: “Events like Epic 41 provide our students with invaluable experiences and opportunities. Our partnership with industry leaders like GT Omega and The Game Collection reinforces our commitment to offering a well-rounded esports education, extending beyond traditional classroom learning.”
Team captain Ashton O’Brien (aka Ash) said:
“Epic.LAN will undoubtedly be tough, but we’re setting our sights on a top 10 finish. Our primary goal is to enjoy the event, make new friends, and relish the experience. We’re ready for the challenge, and we can’t wait to see what the tournament holds for us.”
Ashton O’Brien, GCS Owls
The college also arranges talks by prominent figures from the industry. Recent speakers have included Neilzinho from Heretics, Yangsin from Cloud9 and Anne Fish, a competitive Fortnite player and content creator, and the first pro gamer mum to join an esports team organisation.
Director of GCS Owls, Neil Griffiths, commented: “Having professionals share their insights and experiences is incredibly motivating for our students. It not only enhances their technical skills but also broadens their understanding of the Esports ecosystem.”
It’s another marker for Wales, too, what with esports body Esports Wales enjoying growth and progress in 2024, with a new annual event, staff and more.
GCS Owls added in a press release: ‘This announcement not only marks a significant milestone for Gower College Swansea but serves as an inspiring beacon for other schools and colleges contemplating participation in future Epic/LAN events. The GCS Owls’ journey reflects the college’s commitment to nurturing esports talent and creating opportunities for students to shine on a national and international stage.’
The news comes a few days after UK esports organisation Reason Gaming returned to UK CS roots with a new roster in time for Epic 41.
Related article: CS legends kennyS and RpK to attend Epic 41
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
