BY NICK GIONGCO
Unlike other athletes who need space to train to remain on active mode amid the pandemic, those who excel in E-Sports don’t require an area where they could jump rope, do plyometrics or even run sprints.
For a master gamer like Caviar Acampado, the Starcraft 2 gold medalist in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, the requirements are quite simple: a comfy chair and a computer with lightning-fast internet connection.
With these, Acampado would be able to meet the provisions needed for him to stay sharp in his chosen field.
As the entire world reels from COVID-19, Acampado remains on active rest by training at least two hours a day.
“I still do train, although not as much as I was grinding back in SEA Games. I mostly stream my practice hours,” said Acampado, who stays with fellow gamers in a townhouse in San Juan.
To balance training with recreation, Acampado engages in other games, less technical as Starcraft 2 with his longtime girlfriend Moreen Guese, a former child actress back in the day.
“I watch movies and series and sometimes play the guitar my girlfriend lent me even though I’m not really good at it.”
Despite being engrossed in E-Sports, which will return to the SEAG when the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi hosts the biennial sportsfest in 2021, Acampado makes it a point as well to dedicate some study time in connection with his school thesis.
“I also just finished doing my thesis, prototype and documents and was just waiting for my defense, but it was rescheduled because of the lockdown. In the meantime, I’m trying to learn a specific in-game mechanic.”
But with the SEAG not taking place until next year and the country still on lockdown, Acampado is putting premium on schoolwork.
“This year, I am more focused on finishing my studies and enhancing my knowledge about game development, though I make sure that I am still updated in the current meta of Starcraft 2. I’m really thankful to my Team Liyab, for being understanding with my decision of prioritizing school this year.”
Still, Acampado, just like everyone else, is deeply concerned about the present situation.
“Even though I am lucky to be safe in our bootcamp, I am also still worried about my family and loved ones, hoping that no one will catch the virus.”
As instructed by their handlers, Acampado rarely gets out of their quarters for safety reasons, expressing his utmost appreciation to the people who provide for their daily needs.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank our Manang and our admin Ms. Carol who are risking their lives to buy food from the market for us players and managers in the bootcamp.”
And as people continue to struggle, Acampado is wishing that everything returns to normal the soonest.
“I hope the pandemic will be over soon and everyone who needs help will be given what they need. I also hope people will be more understanding in this time of crisis.”
So, what’s the first thing Acampado will do when the skies finally clear up?
“First is I’ll visit my family, second my girlfriend. I don’t really have anything to eat in mind, so whatever my parents and girlfriend want me to eat, I’ll go for it.”
Greeley, Colorado News, Sports, Weather and Things to Do https://greeleynews.us/