LOYOLA GAMING (LG) Hydra was crowned champions of the Intel Gen-X League Season 3 for League of Legends (LoL) after defeating Play Loud Esports, 2-0, last December 13, 2020. The Blue and White showed superb skill and finished the tournament with a pristine 5-0 record.

Hosted by TNC Events, Intel Gen-X League Season 3 was a one-day tournament that featured a single-elimination format. The competition hosted professional teams from all over the country, with LG Hydra being the sole contender from the collegiate ranks.

Despite being one of the youngest competitors in the league, LG Hydra’s excellent chemistry and consistent training gave them an edge to reach the finals. “The fact na teammates kami, nag-prapractice kami [together], na-amplify yung individual skills namin (The fact that we were teammates and we would practice together, our individual skills were amplified),” said rookie top-laner Zed Dy. LG Hydra held multiple simulation matches to build their chemistry, allowing their separate skills to meld into one coordinated unit.

Aside from their excellent chemistry, Dy shared that LG Hydra’s champion drafting tactics were a large contributor to their success. Under the guidance of their coach Mikey Alberto, LG Hydra developed a keen eye for strategic drafting, positioning themselves one step ahead of their opponents. “Kasi doon [sa drafting phrase] pa lang, bago pa mag-start yung game, uutakan mo na dapat yung kalaban niyo (Because as early as the drafting phase, before the game even starts, you should already outsmart your opponents),” commented Dy. 

In the championship round, going up against Play Loud Esports was a tall task for LG Hydra as they have yet to defeat them in any past encounters. Despite the unfavorable odds, LG Hydra faced the challenge head on. According to Dy, the “Three Cs”— confidence, communication, and calmness—kept the team afloat during their matches. This mindset allowed LG to clinch the victory, 2-0.

After their successful run in the tournament, LG Hydra hopes to continue honing their skills in LoL, with the ultimate goal of being a contender in both the collegiate and professional scene here and abroad. “Gusto rin namin talunin yung ibang local teams dito sa Philippines at yung [mga] team sa ibang bansa, not just college teams (We also want to beat other local teams here in the Philippines as well as other teams from different countries, and not just college teams),” Dy mentioned.

LG Hydra lineup: 

Zed “Swapito” Dy

Matt “Smexy” Isidro

Yobhel “Yobhel” Nucum

Josh “Znake” Dinio

Joe “Cavalry” Chavez