UNF student selected for Philippines national team in Overwatch World Cup

For University of North Florida senior Justin Tuazon, video games were once just a way to spend summer afternoons with friends. Now, they've led him to the global stage.

Tuazon, a health administration major and head coach of the UNF varsity Overwatch team, has been selected to compete on the Philippines national team in the Overwatch World Cup, one of the biggest international tournaments in competitive gaming.

Organized by Blizzard Entertainment, the Overwatch World Cup brings together elite players from around the world to represent their countries in the team-based multiplayer game. Much like a traditional sports World Cup, national teams compete through qualifiers and tournament stages for a chance to be crowned the best in the world and claim a share of a significant prize pool.

From Jacksonville gamer to international competitor

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Tuazon grew up in a Filipino household after his parents immigrated to the United States in 1992. Like many kids, he spent plenty of time playing video games but didn't initially consider pursuing them competitively.

That changed in middle school when he and his friends began playing Overwatch shortly after its release in 2016.

"We were looking for something to do over the summer and Overwatch had just come out," Tuazon said. "I thought, 'Wow, this is kind of fun.'"

He started on Xbox before switching to PC and steadily climbing the game's competitive ranks. In high school, he was even invited to join a semi-professional team, though he turned down the opportunity to focus on his education and other priorities at the time.

Years later, Tuazon rediscovered his competitive drive.

When Tuazon arrived at UNF, the University's esports scene was still developing. Encouraged by friends, he tried out for the Overwatch team despite doubting he would make the roster.

"I tried out thinking I probably wouldn't get it," he said. "But I did, and it was a completely new environment for me."

That experience quickly grew into something bigger. Tuazon became deeply involved in the UNF Esports Club and now serves as head coach of the varsity Overwatch team, where he helps guide players both strategically and personally.

"My role is creating a space where players can grow as competitive players," Tuazon said. "I teach them the fundamentals of communication, decision-making and how to plan fights as a team."

He also organizes scrimmages with other universities, helping build relationships within the collegiate esports community, including schools such as the University of South Florida, Florida State University, Florida Institute of Technology and Jacksonville University.

"It's one big community I'm trying to build here," Tuazon said. "I also love teaching people and helping them improve."

Tuazon's selection to the Philippines national team followed a competitive tryout process open to eligible players around the world.

Because he holds dual citizenship, he qualified to try out for the team. The selection process involved multiple intense evaluation rounds against top players.

For Tuazon, the opportunity carries deep personal meaning.

"Being able to represent the Philippines through esports is one of my childhood dreams."

Tuazon will compete as a hit-scan DPS (damage-per-second) player, a role that focuses on precision aim and high-impact offensive plays.

He is especially excited to learn from the team's international coaching staff, which includes prominent Korean esports coaches.

"I'm looking forward to gaining knowledge from them and bringing that knowledge back here," he said.

Lessons beyond the game

Overwatch is a fast-paced, team-based first-person "hero shooter" where players choose characters with unique abilities and work together in teams of five to capture objectives or escort payloads across the map. Success depends heavily on communication, teamwork and strategic decision-making.

Those same skills have carried over into Tuazon's academic and professional life.

"Before esports, I was the type of person who thought I could everything myself," he said. "But when you're on a team and everyone has a role, it's much easier to accomplish a goal together."

That mindset has also shaped his approach to coaching and leadership.

"As head coach, I have a responsibility to keep my players accountable and make sure they're healthy mentally and physically," he said. "I try to build a culture where we feel like family."

Growing esports at UNF and looking ahead

While balancing school, coaching and international competition, Tuazon continues to help grow esports at UNF, working with Tom Screech, the University's inaugural esports program manager.

The program will soon host the Osprey Overwatch Invitational, scheduled for April 11 and April 12 inside UNF's new esports arena, and will bring together top varsity and club teams from across Florida to compete for a championship trophy.

Tuazon believes events like this are just the beginning.

"Video games will always be a staple of childhood," he said. "At the college level, esports creates opportunities beyond just playing."

After graduating this spring, Tuazon hopes to continue coaching and possibly return to competitive play while pursuing a career in health administration.

He also credits his esports experience with preparing him for professional life.

"The workplace values I've learned through esports translate really well to a hospital or office setting," he said. "Beyond the game itself, I've built a strong foundation for working in a team environment."