Croydon College is celebrating a landmark achievement as its esports team, called Croydon Prime, won the League of Legends Grand Final at the British student championships in Sunderland.
In their Prime: the Croydon College team of esporters who won the national title
Made up of five students aged 18 to 20, Croydon Prime delivered an exceptional performance throughout the tournament, which featured 12 of the country’s top student esports teams. In a best-of-three final against Burnley Esports Elite, Croydon Prime capped off a season of hard-fought success with a 2-0 win.
Esports is the competitive world of video gaming, where individuals or teams compete across a variety of genres, including strategy games, first-person shooters and sports simulations. Esports also encompasses live-streaming, content creation, event management, and community engagement.
The game played by the Croydon team during the championship – League of Legends: Summoner’s Rift – is a 5v5 battle arena where two teams compete to destroy the other’s base by navigating three lanes, jungle paths, and objectives. The map features distinct areas like the top, middle, and bottom lanes, the jungle and various neutral objectives.
Croydon Prime’s team comprised Maksym Shyrokiy (top lane), Eddie Tsang (jungle), Artur Sassa (mid lane), Gonçalo Sousa (ADC – Attack Damage Carry) and Gloria Januszewicz (support).
Januszewicz, was named Most Valuable Player – the “MVP” – of the grand finals, recognised for her exceptional shot calling and game-changing playmaking throughout the series.
This was Croydon Prime’s third trophy in two years, highlighting the rapid growth of Croydon College’s esports programme and the dedication of its students.
Croydon College’s esports lecturer and the team’s head coach, Shamil Mohamed, said: “This victory means so much to the team and the wider college community. The players have worked incredibly hard all season, showing real discipline, talent and unity.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished. To bring home another trophy and do it in such dominant fashion is a moment we’ll all remember for a long time.”
Croydon College offers Esports BTECs at Level 2 and Level 3, intended for individuals looking to develop skills within the esports and related industries. A key element of studying esports involves understanding game design and development, which provides insight into how games are created, balanced and evolve, knowledge essential for both players and industry professionals.
Mid Laner Sassa said: “Studying esports has given me the opportunity to do something I love with full passion and purpose. Winning isn’t just about lifting a trophy. It’s proof that dreams can come true if you’re willing to fight for them every single day.”
Sousa said: “What I enjoy most about the esports course is how much it focuses on learning new things in the industry. It’s not just about being good at a game. It’s about thinking together, planning and supporting each other.
“For me, winning isn’t just a score. It represents everything I’ve worked for my whole life. And when I get to share that win with four teammates who have the same drive and passion, it’s an experience like no other.”
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