As the first few weeks of Eastern Michigan University’s esports 2025 season begins, Ali Azinfar is prepared to give it their all. A junior at the university, Azinfar is a varsity member of the university's Valorant esports team and is slated to compete against rival colleges in the Midwest. Before the first games are underway, Azinfar sat down to recall their origins and current experiences in competitive Valorant, and what makes them the player they are today.
Q: How and when did you first become interested in Valorant?
A: Originally, I learned about Valorant through word of mouth from friends. I began playing in Episode 5, started bronze, and worked my way up. Eventually, I began to get better and better, and I was thoroughly enjoying playing the game by myself. One day I was at the Rec Center, and I saw a flyer about esports. This was my first time hearing about the program here at EMU and it instantly grabbed my attention. I joined the Discord and the rest was history.
Q: What made you want to compete in EMU esports, and when did you join?
A: I have always watched esports growing up in games like CSGO, Rainbow Six Siege, and had just recently got into watching Tier 1 Valorant esports. I thought it was very cool to watch. I was curious to see what that experience would feel like. I heard that they were doing tryouts for a JV Valorant team over the summer, and I saw my opportunity to dominate and get my name out there. The tryout experience was amazing because I got to meet a whole bunch of people and learn so many new things. After showing my prowess in tryouts, I got a spot on the JV team, and I was solidified as the duelist of the team.
Q: What are your goals for this semester, for the Valorant team and yourself?
A: This semester, I personally want to exceed my current rank and be at the peak of my ability within this game. As a team, I understand the hurdles and challenges this semester is going to have us face, and I wish that we face them head-on with our best foot forward. To provide context, first semester we were in a league that was way too easy for us, and this semester we got put into a very competitive league in comparison to last. We also have a new teammate in Kami, so we have been trying to adjust to the new dynamic this semester.
Q: If you see yourself playing for an esports organization after you graduate, which one would you want to be in?
A: After I graduate, I don't really see myself playing for an esports organization. I want to cement my legacy within the dynasty that is EMU esports. As long as my jersey gets hung up in the esports room, I will be satisfied with the results of my passion.
Q: What are some tips and advice you could give others who want to be successful in competitive gaming?
A: If you want to be successful in competitive gaming, you need to be ready to apply yourself fully into whatever it is that you are doing. What I mean by that is you have to want to learn, want to get better, want to win. When the coach says something, jot it down on some paper, when you play solo competitive games, watch the video of that game and analyze what you could have done better. Do training for your respective game, and overall, never lose that fire of wanting to get better.
Those interested in the university's esports opportunities can find more information by visiting the team pages on the Eastern Michigan University website. Team schedules, current player lineups, and team applications are available on those pages.
